Jang laments breakdown of Fulani-Berom relations in Plateau
August 1, 2026 4:51 pm
FILE: Ex-Plateau gov, Jonah Jang
Former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang has lamented the breakdown of the once cordial relationship between the Fulani and Berom ethnic groups, saying they “should never have become enemies.”
Jang made the remark in his autobiography, From Airman to Politics – My Life, unveiled on Saturday in Jos as part of activities marking his 80th birthday.
In an excerpt from the book, the former governor reflected on the history of peaceful coexistence between the two communities, expressing optimism that reconciliation remains possible, Business Day reported on Saturday.
“The Fulani and Berom should never have become enemies. Their story of mutual tolerance and peaceful co-existence should not have been truncated,” Jang said.
He added, “I believe strongly that peace can be found again if we summon courage and sincerity to the lost values that kept us together such as mutual respect, dialogue and shared destiny.”
Jang’s autobiography chronicles his journey from a career in the Nigerian Air Force to public service and politics, detailing his experiences in governance and leadership.
The foreword to the book was written by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
In April 2026, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Da Jacob Buba, announced the suspension of the 2026 Nzem Berom Festival, citing worsening insecurity in Plateau State and other parts of the country.
Despite renewed peace efforts by stakeholders, violence has continued to plague Plateau State.
In March, the Youth Initiative Against Violence and Rights Abuse brought together farmers and herders to sign a peace pact aimed at fostering lasting coexistence in their communities.
However, the initiative failed to halt the bloodshed. Clashes between farming and herding communities in Plateau have persisted for decades, claiming thousands of lives and displacing many others.
The latest attack occurred in Rim Village, Riyom Local Government Area, where gunmen last Tuesday killed two people and injured two others.
PUNCH Online reports that the Berom are one of the indigenous ethnic groups of Plateau State, with their ancestral homeland centred around the Jos Plateau, particularly in Jos South, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and parts of Jos North local government areas.
Fulanis, on the other hand, are a widely dispersed pastoralist ethnic group found across Nigeria and West Africa, with communities in several parts of Plateau State, including Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu, Bokkos and Wase.
The relationship between the two communities has, over the years, been strained by recurring disputes over land use, grazing routes and other socio-economic issues, particularly in central Plateau.
Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.
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