US embassy cable - 02ABUJA2809

UNCLAS ABUJA 002809 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, PINS, ASEC, CASC, NI 
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: RENEWED VIOLENCE IN EASTERN PLATEAU STATE 
 
 
1. (SBU) At approximately 16:00 on October 8, Conoff received 
a report from an AmCit in Jos of ethnic fighting in eastern 
Plateau State. According to the AmCit, the fighting that had 
flared a few days ago in the Local Government Areas (LGAs)of 
Langtang and Pankshin had rekindled with greater intensity. 
The conflict essentially pits pastoral Fulani against farmers 
from various other groups but has taken on a distinct 
inter-ethnic tinge.  The Plateau State government has 
downplayed the scope and severity of the reported violence. 
When we tried to confirm the reports, Gabriel Makan, PA to 
Governor Dariye, denied any outbreaks of violence on October 
8.  We find the AmCit more credible than Makan. 
 
 
2. (U) According to the Amcit, small villages around Langtang 
and Pankshin were most affected by the fighting. (Pankshin is 
about 85 km South East of Jos and Lantang is  about 130 km 
South East of Jos.) The Amcit also reported fighting in 
Bukuru, about 12 kilometers southwest of Jos, had taken place 
the morning of October 7.  Some distance from the both 
Pankshin and Langtang, the Bukuru violence may not be related 
to the incidents at the other locations. However, it 
demonstrates that portions of Plateau State remain volatile, 
and unrest can easily be sparked in these areas. 
 
 
3. (SBU) Governor Dariye's Assistant Makan confirmed the 
village of Kumkwan in Kanam LGA had been substantially 
destroyed but insisted the destruction occurred October 1. 
Makan further asserted the conflict in Kumkwan was between 
the ethnically related Tarok and Bagam tribes; Fulani were 
not involved. (Note: The Plateau State Government has 
publicly stated that order was restored days ago; However, 
the Amcit report contradicts this.  In fact, it indicates 
that the situation in the eastern part of the state may have 
deteriorated, perhaps due to reprisal attacks by those caught 
on the defensive in the earlier unrest. End Note.) 
 
 
4. (SBU) According to Makan, Bukuru was the site of a minor 
incident on October 6.  The State Government has plans to 
erect a permanent market but shop owners protested when their 
make-shift stores were demolished to make room for the 
permanent structure.  Makan stated the police quickly 
restored order and no lives were lost.  Bukuru is close to 
the Abuja-Akwanga-Jos highway. 
 
 
4. (U) Plateau State is home to a significant number of 
AmCits, mainly missionaries, and Post will continue to 
monitor the situation and report any new developments. 
 
 
5. (U) There were no reports of any Amcits caught in the 
unrest. 
JETER