Sad: Plateau Lawmaker’s Last E-mail Before He Was Murdered

A source in Jos, Plateau State has sent SaharaReporters the very last email sent by Gyang Fulani, a member of Plateau State House of Assembly (representing Barkin Ladi). Earlier this afternoon, unidentified gunmen mowed down Mr. Fulani as well as Senator Gyang Dantong as the lawmakers attended a mass funeral for more than twenty victims killed a day before in a gruesome attack.

An investigation by SaharaReporters revealed that Mr. Fulani, the majority leader of the Plateau State

 Assembly, worked for First Bank Plc. in Kano State before delving into politics.

The source who provided Mr. Fulani’s last email which was sent to various online listserv groups (including “middlebeltdialogue”), described the murdered lawmaker as passionate about the security situation of his constituents.

“Hon. Fulani was always close to his constituents,” said the source. The source revealed that the legislator had spent much of yesterday and this morning running around to see ways to resettle his constituents displaced by the incessant sectarian violence in the area. “He was working hard even before the mass burial today where he was shot and killed,” said the source.

Our source, who had known the late legislator since their days together in Kano  (also provided his traditional wedding photo), said he and Mr. Fulani attended the same church, ECWA Church English Service in Kano State. “The killing is still a big shock, but may God accept his soul,” he said, adding that Mr. Fulani always talked about peace and security for the rural dwellers.” He disclosed that the legislator’s concern for his constituent’s safety and security came across in Mr. Fulani’s last email.

In his last email, reproduced below, Mr. Fulani attached three photographs showing the dead bodies of two mobile police officers and a woman killed in yesterday’s attack.

From: Gyang Fulani <gyangfulani@yahoo.com>

To: "middlebeltdialogue@yahoogroups.com" <middlebeltdialogue@yahoogroups.com>

Sent: Saturday, 7 July 2012, 21:54

Subject: [middlebeltdialogue] ATTACK ON 10 VILLAGES OF GASHISH DISTRICT IN B/LADI LGA OF PLATEAU STATE

Dear Forumites,

Today was a very dark day for the people of Gashish because terrorists numbering over 400 carried out a carefully planned   on the quiet people GASHISH DISTRICT IN B/LADI LGA OF PLATEAU STATE. The attack was first reported at about 6.30 a.m. by the residents of the area. They had reported that their villages had been surrounded by attackers who were heavily armed militias under military like military gunfire. The militants were dressed in army bullet proof vest and armor. It is clear a declaration of war on my people by these militants is obvious.

So far, over 25 people have been confirmed dead, 5 hospitalized, and about 150 displaced now housed in churches as refugees.

I had some months ago in the floor of the Plateau House of Assembly called on the international community through the UN to provide security for our people.
Gyang Fulani. Source: sahara reporter