Personnel Operation Rainbow Attack Fulani Community, Burning Houses in Plateau Amid Ethnic Cleansing Concerns
By: Zagazola Makama
Operation Rainbow, a Plateau State government-backed security outfit, has been accused of attacking a Fulani community in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area and setting houses ablaze in an incident that has raised serious concerns over alleged abuses against civilians and growing accusations of ethnic cleansing.
Reports from the area alleged that personnel linked to the outfit moved into the community around Gindi Akwati Junction in Nghar in the early hours of Monday, Oct. 19, harassing residents and destroying property, including setting houses on fire.
The personnel were also reportedly moving towards Fass, raising fears among residents that other communities could face similar actions. The number of houses affected, the extent of the damage has not been fully established.
For the past few months Operation Rainbow, a government-backed security outfit entrusted with protecting lives and property have been accused of orchestrating clandestine operations, targeted killings of the fulani ethnic communities and cattle rustling.
The recent actions of the security outfit has added another layer to the Plateau conflict which risk becoming another Theartre of War, shifting from violence between Fulani and herders.
