A human rights group has warned Plateau State to scrap any order allowing security forces to shoot herders caught on farmland. The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT Global) made this call on Thursday.
Ambassador Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu signed the statement for the organisation. IHRC-RFT Global holds Special Consultative Status with the UN's Economic and Social Council.
The group praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang for backing the rule of law. It commended him for urging residents to respect court decisions.
"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 organisation stated. Its officials noted the comments came after recent court proceedings in Jos North Local Government Area.
But IHRC-RFT Global raised alarms about earlier statements from government. Those directives suggested herders grazing illegally could face bullets.
According to the group, such orders contradict Nigeria's constitution. The position also endangers fundamental human rights protections.
"In the same spirit of constitutionalism and respect for human rights, 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," it said. Officials argued that lethal force undermines due process entirely.
IHRC-RFT Global backed efforts to shield farms from invasion. It didn't support replacing law with bullets, however.
The organisation noted that unlawful grazing deserves tough responses. Those responses must follow legal channels, not violence.
"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 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," its statement read. Violations ought to mean arrest, investigation, and court trials.
Extrajudicial killings cannot substitute for proper justice systems. The group insisted on this during its plea to authorities.
"We believe that violations should be addressed through lawful means, including arrest, investigation, prosecution, and judicial determination, rather than measures that may be interpreted as endorsing extrajudicial actions," officials explained. They pledged ongoing commitment to peace across communities.
IHRC-RFT Global promised continued work promoting coexistence in Plateau. The organisation remains dedicated to similar efforts nationwide.
