Jang mourns deterioration of Fulani-Berom ties in Plateau State

Jonah Jang, the former Governor of Plateau State, has expressed regret over the deterioration of relations between the Fulani and Berom ethnic groups, stating that they should never have become adversaries.

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In his autobiography, From Airman to Politics – My Life, launched on Saturday in Jos to commemorate his 80th birthday, Jang reflected on the history of peaceful coexistence between the two communities.

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According to an excerpt from the book, Jang expressed optimism that reconciliation is still possible, as reported by Business Day on Saturday, and emphasized that the Fulani and Berom should never have become enemies.

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Jang noted that the story of mutual tolerance and peaceful co-existence between the two groups should not have been disrupted, and he believes that peace can be restored if courage and sincerity are applied to the values that once united them.

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Jang's autobiography chronicles his journey from a career in the Nigerian Air Force to public service and politics, and it includes a foreword written by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

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In April 2026, Da Jacob Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, announced the suspension of the 2026 Nzem Berom Festival due to worsening insecurity in Plateau State and other parts of the country.

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Despite renewed peace efforts by stakeholders, violence has continued to affect Plateau State, with clashes between farming and herding communities persisting for decades and resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of many others.

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In March, the Youth Initiative Against Violence and Rights Abuse brought together farmers and herders to sign a peace pact aimed at fostering lasting coexistence in their communities, but the initiative failed to halt the violence.

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A recent attack occurred in Rim Village, Riyom Local Government Area, where gunmen killed two people and injured two others on the previous Tuesday.

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The Berom are one of the indigenous ethnic groups of Plateau State, with their ancestral homeland centered around the Jos Plateau, particularly in Jos South, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and parts of Jos North local government areas, as reported by PUNCH Online.

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The Fulanis, on the other hand, are a widely dispersed pastoralist ethnic group found across Nigeria and West Africa, with communities in several parts of Plateau State, including Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu, Bokkos, and Wase.

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The relationship between the Fulani and Berom communities has been strained over the years due to recurring disputes over land use, grazing routes, and other socio-economic issues, particularly in central Plateau.