By Emma Okereh
A group of Fulani community resident in Edo state, Thursday staged a protest in front of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) demanding protection of their lives and cattle in the state.
The community who spoke through Idris Adamu Saidu, secretary of the group, said they are law-abiding citizens of Nigeria residing in Edo state but are being treated as though they are not Nigerians.
He explained that the group is a coalition of Fulani community in Edo state where they live and do business.
The group alleged that though they are law-abiding people who love peace and co-existence, they have suffered in the hands of vigilante group operating in the state.
It further alleged that it has lost life and property through the activities of the group and called on the federal government, the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to protect them.
In an unsigned statement titled ‘Letter of Demand by Fulani people Residing in Edo state’ which it circulated to newsmen at the protesting ground , it stated that ‘’ We call on the federal government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the government of Edo state, the senate president and speaker, House of Representatives, the DSS, NSCDC, the media and all well -meaning Nigerians to come to our rescue by protecting us from criminals and vigilantes in Edo state’’.
It further alleged that vigilante in Edo killed members of their community just as their cows were also killed and no action was taken by concerned authority.
