NIGERIA: RENEWED VIOLENCE IN EASTERN PLATEAU STATE

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