The Nigerian Army has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media that warned of an alleged plan by Fulani terrorists to attack communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the claims as false, misleading, and capable of inciting panic.
In the video, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, a prominent Plateau-based clergyman, alleged that terrorists were mobilising through Nyerwai village to launch attacks in the Dorowa area. He also claimed that security forces had been compromised and urged local youths to arm themselves in defence.
However, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, said on Tuesday that the allegations were “baseless and irresponsible,” warning that such statements could inflame ethnic and religious tensions in an already volatile area.
“The viral video by Rev. Dachomo alleging mobilisation of Fulani terrorists and accusing security agencies of collusion is propaganda intended to inflame public sentiment and erode confidence in security agencies,” Zhakom said in a statement.
He explained that the video appeared following renewed tensions in Barkin Ladi after the killing of a herder, the death of 36 cows, and the rustling of 49 others, incidents that have heightened suspicion between local communities.
Major Zhakom accused Rev. Dachomo of using “emotionally charged and divisive narratives” to exploit the situation, saying his comments were likely to cause unnecessary fear and distrust.
“His accusations are baseless and aimed at causing unnecessary tension,” Zhakom said. “The JTF OPEP condemns the misleading narratives and warns the propagator to desist from such acts or face the full wrath of the law.”
The army reaffirmed that troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE remain fully deployed and active in the Barkin Ladi area and are conducting intensified patrols around Nyerwai and Dorowa to reassure residents of their safety.
Zhakom urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and verify information before sharing it online.
“We call on all stakeholders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and instead work towards a peaceful, united, and secure Plateau,” he added.