Table of Contents
- MACBAN's Statement
- Allegations by BYM
- Impact on Fulani Communities
- Recent Incidents
- Call for Justice
The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has cleared Fulani herders of involvement in the violent attacks that occurred on Tuesday night in Heipang and Fan districts of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where 13 individuals lost their lives.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), in a statement released on Wednesday and signed by its Secretary General, Comrade Bature Iliya Adazaram, accused armed Fulani militias from the Fass and Werre-Jong areas of launching simultaneous attacks on Rachas village in Heipang District and Rawuru village in Fan District, resulting in the deaths of the 13 victims.
In response, the State Chairman of MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, issued a statement in Jos on Thursday, asserting that the allegations made by BYM linking Fulani herders to the attacks were unfounded and without basis, as security agencies are still conducting investigations and have not issued any statements implicating the herders. He emphasized that associating herders with these violent incidents is baseless and lacks supporting evidence.
Babayo remarked that the accusations against herdsmen by the BYM are part of a routine tactic used by the group, aimed at Fulani communities without thorough investigation or substantiated proof.
“We are not surprised by the allegations from BYM, considering that such accusations against Fulani have become a regular occurrence. Our members are frequently blamed for attacks without any evidence,” Babayo stated.
According to the MACBAN Chairman, numerous Fulani communities in Plateau have suffered due to such unfounded allegations in the past and have become targets of ongoing attacks, killings, and cattle rustling.
“The world has witnessed the hardships Fulani communities endure in Plateau State. We are killed daily, our cattle are rustled, and our members can no longer graze due to relentless assaults,” Babayo expressed.
He further noted that since June 2025, Fulani herders in the state have lost over 500 cattle to killings and rustling, citing specific events such as the rustling of 160 cattle belonging to Haruna Ibrahim and Alhaji Sani Muhammad between June 1 and 14 in Fan District, along with the killing of a herder on September 2, alongside seven cattle.
“In October alone, three herders were attacked near Mararaban Kantoma on the 2nd. On October 5, Yusuf Abubakar and his five cattle were killed. On October 7, Abubakar Wada and his 39 cattle were killed, while over 50 cattle were rustled around the Izon community of Fan District,” he noted.
“All these incidents have been reported to security agencies, including the police, Operation Safe Haven, and the Department of State Services (DSS),” Babayo added.
Babayo stressed that MACBAN condemns all forms of violence and called on security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the Barkin Ladi attacks are identified and brought to justice, as well as to protect herders who live in constant fear due to ongoing assaults.
In conclusion, Babayo challenged the BYM to provide evidence to support its claims while urging the Fulani community in the state to remain calm, law-abiding, and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, allowing security forces to conduct their investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did MACBAN say about the attacks?
MACBAN cleared Fulani herders of involvement in the attacks and called the allegations by BYM false and baseless.
What are the recent incidents involving Fulani herders?
Recent incidents include the killing of herders and the rustling of cattle, with over 500 cattle lost since June 2025.
What actions did MACBAN request from security agencies?
MACBAN urged security agencies to identify and bring the perpetrators of the Barkin Ladi attacks to justice and to protect herders from ongoing violence.
