Nigerians took to various social media platforms on Thursday to criticize Qatari owned international media platform, Al Jazeera, over their representation of Nigeria Middle belt State, Plateau.
Plateau, in the last few days has gained international attention after suspected terrorists attacked a community in the state, killing residents on Christmas day.
PUNCH METRO reported that the governor of the state, Caleb Mutfwang, stated that the gunmen killed 86 persons during attacks on some communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi LGAs of Plateau state.
The gunmen reportedly razed houses and looted properties in the communities, especially in Mushu village.
Al Jazeera, in a new report on the 25th of December headlined,”Armed groups kill 113 people in series of attacks across central Nigeria’, described Plateau as a state where “climate change and expanding agriculture has strained communities and increased tensions between Muslims herder’s and Christian farmers”.
The description of the state by the media organization has not gone down well with many Nigerians who felt the organization is playing down on the true cause of conflict in the state.
A tweep identified as @Novieverest, while reacting to the description tweeted,”Aljazeera will tell you that Deborah killed 3 people before she was brutally murdered.
“Climate change led the herdsmen to leave their village and attack people in Plateau state. Killing 140.”
Sharing the similar opinion, another tweep identified as @Dmindaffairs, tweeted,”Aljazeera will report lies about Israel/Palestinian war and now come to Nigeria and report lies about Jihadists”.
While @FSYusuf, tweeted,”People were in their homes, terrorist herdsmen ransacked their villages killing hundreds, injuring many and burning down houses.
“This is a clear act of terrorism but Al-Jazeera is blaming “Climate Change”
“Same Aljazeera that wants us to believe that Hamas isn’t the reason Israel is at war with Palestine.Nonsense!”
Also, Joseph _ebuka3, tweeted So you guys don’t know that Aljazeera is an Islamic news channel? They will surely defend the k!ll!ngs done by the Islamic terror!st
While @Izu, tweeted,”Over 110 people were slaughtered in Plateau by terrorists but some Nigerians who have something in common with them tagged it, communal conflict.
How can you then expect Aljazeera to be honest in their report when you know the owners of the media. Stop acting surprised.
While sharing his perspective @OladeleEnahoro, tweeted,”AlJazeeraWorld is owned by UAE that finances Islamic terrorism in Africa. They have a peace pact with Israel & have enormous cash to spend in the west which makes US & her allies turn a blind eye to their atrocities in Africa. Then @_AfricanUnion is a useless body to stop them.
The Herdsmen crisis in Plateau state, Nigeria, is a deeply entrenched conflict with roots in resource competition and historical tensions.
Muslim Fulani herdsmen traditionally migrate with their cattle across vast swathes of land, often encountering Christian farming communities in Plateau. Clashes erupt over access to grazing land, water resources, and sometimes, religious differences.
These clashes have escalated in recent years, leading to devastating consequences. Violent attacks by suspected herdsmen have resulted in numerous deaths, displaced thousands, and left communities living in fear. The Nigerian government has struggled to contain the violence, with accusations of bias and ineffectiveness further fueling tensions.
