The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has explained why herdsmen were allegedly involved in the recent attacks that led to
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has explained why herdsmen were allegedly involved in the recent attacks that led to the death of at least 86 people in 11 communities in Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State on Saturday, June 23, 2018. The group’s north-central zone chairman said the ethnic Berom people have been stealing cows from herdsmen for a long time.
Even though eyewitnesses have reported a death toll of well above 120, the state’s police command said that 86 people were killed in the wave of violence with 50 houses also reported to be burnt. The attacks took place in Xland, Gindin Akwati, Ruku, Nghar, Kura Falls and Kakuruk in Gashish District, as well as Rakok, Kok and Razat in the Ropp District.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Nigeria’s premier pastoralist body, has responded to the tragedy, claiming that it is a retaliation for the surge in cattle rustling in the state.
The chairman of the association’s north-central zone, Danladi Ciroma, alleged that the indigenous Berom youths have been stealing cows from herdsmen, with about 300 cows lost to cattle rustling in the last few weeks. He said security agencies can only stop the incessant clashes between herdsmen and the local communities when they bring cattle rustlers to justice.
He said, “These attacks are retaliatory. As much as I don’t support the killing of human being, the truth must be told that those who carried out the attacks must be on revenge mission.
“There have been recent reports of cow rustling and destruction of farms between Berom farmers and Fulani herdsmen. The people carrying out these criminal activities are well known to the communities but the communities are hiding them. Fulani herdsmen have lost about 300 cows in the last few weeks – 94 cows were rustled by armed Berom youths in Fan village, another 36 cows were killed by Berom youths. In addition to that, 174 cattle were rustled and the criminals disappeared with them to Mangu. Since these cows were not found, no one should expect peace in the areas.
