Ruga: Northern Christians, Pastors Vow To Resist Plot To Take Over Peoples’ Land For Settlement Of Fulani Herders

A coalition of Christians in northern Nigeria under the auspices of Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) have vowed to resist any plot by the federal government to impose Ruga or “taking over indigenous peoples’ land for the settlement of Fulani herders.”

The Group led its National President, Rev Luke Shehu in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja commended president Muhammadu Buhari for rescinding the policy but warned against its reintroduction through the back door.

He said, “We commend the President, Executive Council and Council of State for the decision to rescind the outrageous Fulani cattle breeders’ settlement called the Ruga settlement.

 “Therefore, we warn against any plot or ploy by government to introduce any other obnoxious back-door policy aimed at colonising indigenous peoples land for Fulani herders’ settlement. Apart from the herders, the governments’ cabal and other benefactors of land colonisation or Fulanisation and Islamisation, every other Nigerian is against the Fulani herders Ruga settlement.

 “Let it be on record that we shall mobilise against any further plan to impose a federal policy taking over indigenous peoples’ land for the settlement of Fulani herders.”

The statement also condemned the 30-day ultimatum issued to southerners in the north by northern groups adding that the inability of the federal government to arrest the leaders of the group makes it culpable.

“The northern groups’ 30-day ultimatum to southerners in the north is not only a threat but a call to war as it was incitingly evil. We wish to unequivocally add that no group or individual has the right to expel the Igbo or any other tribes from the north of Nigeria where we co-habit”.

 “We strongly believe there is a conspiracy between the Miyetti Allah Association and the Northern (Arewa) groups calling out these nefarious riot acts. The government’s silence and inability to arrest any of the Fulani or Arewa Youth leaders over past and present inciting as well as provocative statements is culpability on the part of the security under this government.”