Nigeria fires police chief following weekend killings

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Nigeria fired the police chief in central Plateau State following weekend killings of 86 people in the latest violence between herders and farming communities in the agrarian belt.

Police headquarters in the capital Abuja said Plateau police commissioner Undie Adie has been redeployed and replaced with Bala Ciroma, a top shot from the criminal investigation and intelligence department.

The killings were reportedly a reprisal for the alleged killing of some Fulani herders and stealing or killing of cows allegedly by local Berom tribesmen. The latter were the major victims of the weekend killing, again prompting reprisals and heavy security deployments.

President Muhammadu Buhari visited Plateau, condemning the violence and calling on communities to embrace peace. Buhari said arrests have been made in connection with the killing.

“It is important that we ensure that there is justice. I want you to be sure that we will do so, we will make sure that those who have been arrested are duly prosecuted and that others who are engaged in this heinous conduct are also arrested and prosecuted,” he said.

“The National Emergency Management Agency will be providing relief materials to communities affected by Plateau killings. The $28 million fund approved recently for rehabilitation of farms and farming communities will also be made available to Plateau.”

Police said on Tuesday it has heightened security in the troubled area.