The Plateau State Chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has condemned the killing of the deputy commander of the Operation Rainbow security outfit, CSP David Babale.
Babale was murdered by gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias on Tuesday.
In a statement released on Thursday by the State Chairman of MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the organisation said the killing of the senior police officer was an indication that the wave of violent attacks in the state should no longer be treated with kid gloves.
The group also called on government and relevant security agencies to step up their game and end the cycle of violence across Plateau State.
Parts of the statement read, “The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State chapter, strongly condemns the tragic killing of a senior police officer, a Chief Superintendent of Police, alongside other innocent citizens in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, the families of the deceased, and all those affected by this unfortunate incident. We also pray for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries.
“MACBAN reiterates that the continuous cycle of violence and loss of innocent lives in Plateau State is unacceptable and must come to an end. No community benefits from bloodshed, and lasting peace can only be achieved through justice, dialogue, and respect for the rule of law.”
The group, however, warned that the attribution of the attack to Fulani people should be discontinued as no credible security agency has come out to say so.
“We are, however, deeply concerned by the growing trend of attributing every violent incident in Plateau State to the Fulani community without credible evidence or the outcome of any official investigation. Such premature accusations are irresponsible, capable of inflaming tensions, and undermine the efforts of security agencies to identify and bring the real perpetrators to justice.
“We therefore categorically warn individuals and groups against making inflammatory statements or spreading unverified allegations that collectively blame the Fulani community for every security incident. Criminals should be treated as individuals, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. No community should be condemned without credible evidence.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into these killings and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“MACBAN remains committed to supporting all genuine efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace, promoting peaceful coexistence, and encouraging our members to continue abiding by the law.
“Let us all reject hate, misinformation, and collective blame, and instead work together to restore peace and security across Plateau State,” the statement added.