The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria’s Plateau State chapter, MACBAN, has issued a warning that Fulani herders in the state will no longer put up with groups it called “Berom Militias” poisoning their cattle in rural areas.
In a statement released on Thursday by its Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, MACBAN issued a severe warning, stating that local militias’ attacks on herders and the killing of their cattle in communities, particularly in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas, had reached a point where they have decided to take appropriate action to put an end to the attacks.
Babayo made reference to an
The killing of nine cows in the Rakum community in Barkin Ladion on Saturday, April 18, was described as senseless, regrettable, and strongly condemned by herders.
The statement read, “The Plateau State Chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, strongly condemns the senseless and unfortunate killing of nine (9) cows belonging to innocent herders by suspected Berom youths in Rakum community of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.”
According to Babayo, the local militia gang attacked the impacted herders while they were engaging in their lawful and peaceful activities, making the incident yet another act capable of escalating tension and undermining the precarious peace enjoyed in the area
According to MACBAN, this incident poses a significant threat to the peaceful coexistence of communities in Plateau State and is a purposeful provocation. For already vulnerable pastoral families, the destruction of livelihood, especially through the killing of livestock, is not only cruel but also detrimental to their finances, he said.
The MACBAN Chairman made several demands, including an immediate investigation into the incident, the identification and apprehension of the attackers, and the assurance that they are brought to justice without delay. He also called on security agencies to do everything within their power to capture the attackers.Additionally, we implore all Barkin Ladi LGA stakeholders, including youth organizations and commuter leaders, to exercise moderation and refrain from taking any kind of revenge. Violence will only prolong the conflict cycle and increase mistrustMACBAN is still dedicated to peace, communication, and legal participation in resolving complaints. We urge the Plateau State Government and pertinent authorities to take proactive steps to safeguard people and property and to stop similar incidents from happening again. He continued, “Let it be made very clear that the only viable way forward for all communities in the state is peaceful coexistence.”
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