MACBAN alleges killing of Fulani herdsmen by suspected ‘Irigwe militias’ in Plateau

The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has accused gunmen it described as “Irigwe militias” of killing three Fulani herders.

MACBAN alleged that the killings occurred in separate attacks around Kpanchuku in Jebbu Bassa and Gana Ropp communities in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement signed by Plateau State Secretary, Muhammad Salihu Isa, MACBAN said the victims, identified as Muhammad Salihu Isa, Sani Ibrahim and Asma’u Salihu, were grazing their cattle in the area when they were attacked and killed by the gunmen.

It condemned the attack, describing it as unprovoked as the herders and their cattle did not encroach on any farmland. MACBAN also called on security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.

The statement read, “The leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State Chapter, condemns in strong terms the brutal killing of our members.

“Sani Ibrahim, 18 years old, was attacked and killed by suspected armed Irigwe militia at Kpachuku in Jebbu Bassa Local Government Area on 14th August, 2026, while grazing his cattle.

“In a separate attack, a 15-year-old herder, Muhammad Salihu Isa, and another young man, Asma’u Salihu, were killed when gunmen attacked the community

“We describe this act as barbaric, inhumane, unprovoked and unacceptable. In the last one week, we have lost many herders and cattle to gunmen. We can not move freely to tend to our cattle.

“Despite the incessant attacks, we call on all members and the general public to remain calm and law-abiding, and not to take the law into their own hands.

“We further urge security agencies and all relevant authorities to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face the full wrath of the law. This dastardly act should not be continued. We commiserate with the deceased’s family. We also call on members to remain calm and law-abiding.”