By Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) on Thursday denied allegations by the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) linking Fulani herders to recent attacks in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area where 13 farmers were killed and houses and properties destroyed.
MACBAN, in a statement by its Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, described the allegations as unfounded and lacking evidence.
The BYM, in a statement issued on October 15 and signed by its Secretary General, Comrade Bature Iliya Adazaram, on behalf of its President, Barrister Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, alleged that armed Fulani from Fass and Werre/Jong areas launched simultaneous attacks on Rachas village in Heipang District and Rawuru village in Fan District, resulting in 13 deaths and the rustling of over 250 cattle.
Reacting to the claims, Babayo said the accusations were “routine and baseless,” often directed at Fulani communities without proper investigation or substantiated proof.
“We are not surprised by the allegation by BYM, considering that such accusations against Fulani have become a normal routine. Our members are often accused of attacks without any evidence,” he said.
He challenged the BYM to present proof to support its claims and urged security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation into the incident.
According to him, Fulani communities in the state have been the victims of persistent attacks, killings, and cattle rustling.
“The world has seen the difficulties Fulani communities are going through in Plateau State. We are being killed daily, our cattle are being rustled, and our members can no longer go out to graze due to incessant attacks,” he said.
Babayo stated that since June, Fulani herders in the state had lost over 500 cattle to killings and rustling.
He cited specific incidents, including the rustling of 160 cattle belonging to Haruna Ibrahim and Alhaji Sani Muhammad between June 1 and 14 in Fan District, and the killing of a herder on Sept. 2, alongside seven cattle.
“In October alone, three herders were attacked along Mararaban Kantoma on the 2nd. On Oct. 5, Yusuf Abubakar and his five cattle were killed, and on Oct. 7, Abubakar Wada and his 39 cattle were killed, while over 50 cattle were rustled around Izon community of Fan District,” he said.
He noted that all incidents had been reported to security agencies, including the police, Operation Safe Haven, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The MACBAN chairman, while condemning all forms of violence, urged security agencies to ensure that perpetrators of the Barkin Ladi attacks were identified and brought to justice.
He also called for protection of herders who, he said, live in constant fear due to recurring attacks.
“We urge our members to remain calm, law-abiding, and never take the law into their own hands. We are confident that the security forces will investigate and bring the culprits to justice,” he added.
