According to the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), a research organization advocating for human rights and democracy, South-East governors are being deceitful by proceeding with the establishment of Fulani herdsmen settlements across the region.
In a statement released on Monday, Intersociety claimed that most of these governors had their elections rigged and are now fulfilling the wishes of those in power.
The statement, signed by various heads of Intersociety, warned about the disastrous consequences of allowing herders to take over lands in the South-East.
Intersociety strongly criticized the governors for potentially turning the region into a hotspot for violence, akin to areas like Benue, Plateau, and Southern Kaduna.
Expressing concern for the safety and security of the South-East population and their fundamental human rights, especially their freedom of religion, the group cautioned against the governors’ alleged collusion in facilitating the influx of Fulani jihadists into the region.
The organization suggested that the governors’ motivations may lie in political pressures and loyalty to the powers that helped them attain office.
Intersociety also highlighted a statement from the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria as proof that the governors had acquiesced to granting lands to the herdsmen.
Citing their earlier research, Intersociety revealed that numerous communal lands in various states, including Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Delta, Rivers, Benue, and others, had already been overtaken by armed Fulani herdsmen.
They reiterated their concerns by pointing out specific instances in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states where such takeovers had occurred.
Backing up their claims, the organization referenced a retired Police DIG who confirmed the presence of Fulani herdsmen with AK-47 rifles occupying multiple locations in the South-East.
Intersociety further criticized the actions of the Anambra and Enugu State governments, accusing them of bias and disregarding the welfare of their citizens by allegedly aiding in the land takeover by herdsmen.
The group claimed that Enugu State was pressuring communities to cede their lands for the settlement of Fulani herdsmen, raising alarms about the questionable directives issued by the state government.