In a fresh wave of controversy, Prophet Jacob Dangyang, a clergyman based in Jos, Plateau State, has accused Fulani herders of forcefully occupying his community’s ancestral lands in Fass District, Riyom Local Government Area. The prophet, who leads the Global UpperRoom Revival Ministries, shared his allegations on social media, describing a distressing transformation from peaceful coexistence to violent takeover.
According to Dangyang, Fulani bandits have been attacking villages in Fass, killing or displacing residents, then planting their flags and renaming the areas they conquer. He recalled his childhood in Fass, where Fulani herders would peacefully graze during the dry season and leave before the rains, fertilizing the land with their cattle. This harmonious cycle persisted for generations, but suddenly shifted when the visitors turned aggressive, seizing control of the village and its farmlands.
The prophet lamented that many indigenous families, including his own, lost their properties. He stated that Fass is now predominantly Fulani, and original landowners like himself no longer have access to their own farmlands. He expressed frustration that his outcry has been met with threats and accusations of inciting unrest from authorities, who urge him to remain silent. But Dangyang insists he cannot stay quiet while families suffer such immense losses.
He declared his unwavering determination to speak out against the atrocities, emphasizing that he has only scratched the surface of what is occurring across Plateau. He called for the church to defend itself by acquiring weapons, a stance that has led to calls for his arrest. Dangyang challenged his critics, questioning why authorities focus on silencing him instead of arresting those who attack churches and kidnap worshippers. He asserted, “The land of Plateau will fight against the enemies of Plateau, and Jesus Christ will give us victory.”