MACBAN Condemns Killing Of Herder, 18 Cattle In Plateau, Says “One Too Many”

Gunmen have killed a herder, Yakubu Ishaku, and about 18 cows in Nyarwai Village, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack, according to the herding community, occurred at about 1pm on Wednesday, while the herders were tending to their cattle in the area.

Confirming the incident to journalists in Jos, the Plateau State chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, described the attack as “one too many”, saying it represents another painful loss of innocent life and means of livelihood.

He said such attacks further threaten the peace and harmony that citizens of the state desire.

MACBAN called on security agencies to immediately investigate the attack, apprehend those responsible, and ensure they are brought to justice in accordance with the law, stressing that the cycle of violence must not continue without accountability.

The group also urged the Plateau State Government to intensify efforts to protect the lives and property of all law-abiding citizens, irrespective of ethnic or religious background.

The association reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence and called on members of the Fulani community to remain calm, avoid retaliation, and cooperate with security agencies during investigations.

Babayo called on members of the group to be law-abiding and never take laws into their own hands, noting that the incident had been reported to security agencies.

He expressed condolences to the family of the late Ishaku and sympathized with the owner of the cattle over the loss, praying that Almighty Allah grants the deceased eternal rest.

The spokesperson of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Oteh, did not respond to inquiries as of press time.