Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has strongly condemned the alleged killing of a herdsman identified as Muhammadu Alh. Rebo in Ancha Village of Bassa Local Government Area of the state.
Chairman of MACBAN in the state, Alh. Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said the association was informed by a Fulani leader in the community that the deceased was attacked and killed while peacefully grazing his cattle in the village.
Describing the attack as unprovoked and another unfortunate incident of profile killing of innocent Fulani people, Babayo called on the state government and security agencies to apprehend the culprits and make sure they face the full weight of the law.
The MACBAN Chairman also lamented that attacks and killings of herdsmen and rustling of their livestock not only threaten peaceful coexistence but also undermine the efforts of the government and security agencies to restore lasting peace across Plateau State.
“The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State Chapter, strongly condemns the brutal killing of Muhammadu Alh. Rebo,” the statement said.
“This unfortunate incident is one too many. It is deeply disturbing that innocent pastoralists continue to lose their lives while carrying out their lawful means of livelihood.
“The continuous attacks and killings of herders not only threaten peaceful coexistence but also undermine the efforts of the government and security agencies to restore lasting peace across Plateau State.
“MACBAN extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and prays that Almighty Allah grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
“We call on the Plateau State Government and all relevant security agencies to immediately conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into this heinous act, identify those responsible, and ensure that they are brought to justice in accordance with the law. Holding perpetrators accountable is essential to ending the cycle of violence and restoring confidence among affected communities.”
Babayo, however, called on Fulani communities in the affected council and other parts of the state to remain calm and refrain from any act of violence or taking the law into their hands.
“We urge all Fulani communities to refrain from acts of violence and retaliation. While we mourn this painful loss, we encourage our members to remain law-abiding and continue to cooperate with the security agencies as lawful measures are taken to seek justice.
“The repeated killing of innocent herders and destruction of lives and livelihoods cannot become the new normal. Every Nigerian, irrespective of ethnicity or occupation, has the constitutional right to life, freedom of movement, and the pursuit of a lawful livelihood,” Babayo added.