The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT Global), a human rights organization, has urged the Plateau State Government to revoke any order that recommends shooting pastoralists who are discovered trespassing on farmlands.
In response to recent events and a court ruling concerning Jos North Local Government Area, the group made the request in a statement.
Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, IHRC-RFT Global’s Country Director for Nigeria, signed the statement.
The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT Global), a human rights organization, has urged the Plateau State Government to revoke any order that recommends shooting pastoralists who are discovered trespassing on farmlands.
In response to recent events and a court ruling concerning Jos North Local Government Area, the group made the request in a statement.
Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, IHRC-RFT Global’s Country Director for Nigeria, signed the statement.
The state government’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and respecting judicial independence was praised by IHRC-RFT Global, which holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC).
The group also praised Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, for promoting composure and respect for the state’s judicial system.
The group stated, “As an organization dedicated to human rights, justice, democratic governance, and peaceful coexistence, we commend the Governor for reaffirming the principles of the rule of law, judicial independence, due process, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all residents.”
The organization, however, voiced concerns about previous directions that implied pastoralists found grazing on farmlands may be shot, characterising such a stance as perilous and incompatible with constitutional rights.
The statement read, “We respectfully call on the Plateau State Government to review and withdraw any previous statements or directives suggesting that pastoralists found grazing on farmlands should be shot in the same spirit of constitutionalism and respect for human rights.”
IHRC-RFT Global emphasised that although it supports initiatives to prevent encroachment on farmlands and communities, the use of deadly force must not take the place of legal processes.
It cautioned that such acts raise grave questions regarding due process and the right to life.
The statement went on, “We fully support efforts to protect farmers, farmlands, and community assets, but the use of lethal force outside clearly established legal procedures raises serious concerns regarding the right to life, due process, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria Constitution.”
The group stated that rather than using extrajudicial methods, any infraction of land-use restrictions or anti-open grazing laws should be dealt with through legal channels like arrest, investigation, prosecution, and court decisions.
In contrast to activities that can be seen as encouraging extrajudicial actions, we think that transgressions should be dealt through legal means, such as arrest, investigation, prosecution, and judicial resolution,” the statement stated.
It reiterated its dedication to fostering harmony and peaceful cohabitation between communities in Plateau State and throughout Nigeria.
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