No herder was killed in Bassa – Irigwe youths counter MACBAN claims

The Irigwe Youth Movement, IYM, has swiftly countered allegations by the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, that a herdsman, identified as Muhammadu Alh. Rebo, was killed in Ancha Village of Bassa Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued on Friday by MACBAN Chairman, Alh. Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the association had alleged that the herdsman was attacked and killed in Ancha Village of Bassa Local Government Area.

But in a counter statement signed by the IYM Publicity Secretary, Joseph Yokpa, the youth group refuted the allegations, saying MACBAN was pushing out lies to justify planned attacks on communities. 

The IYM stated that it was a grand plot often employed by the Fulani people whenever they intend to unleash violence on Plateau communities and called on security agencies to be on the alert to avert any violent invasion.

Insisting that no attack or killing occurred in any part of Irigwe land, the group said instead, a 60-year-old man, Bulus Turu, was brutally murdered by Fulani militias in Ancha village.

“The attention of the Irigwe community has been drawn to a misleading statement released by the MACBAN, alleging that Irigwe youths killed a young man. We categorically refute this falsehood and wish to set the record straight,” the statement said.

“For clarity, there have been no cows within our village and its surroundings throughout the past week, let alone any grazing activities on Ancha village and its surroundings. 

“The fabricated narrative was deliberately concocted to divert public attention and seek sympathy, while concealing the heinous acts of Fulani militias who brutally murdered Mr. Bulus Turu, aged 60, on his way back from his farm.

“The Irigwe youths are known to be peaceful, loving, and law-abiding. At no time have they taken the law into their own hands. This truth has been affirmed by security operatives who have testified that the claims made in the said statement are baseless, unfounded, and a complete fallacy.

“We urge the public and stakeholders to disregard the cooked story circulated by MACBAN. The Irigwe people remain committed to peace, justice, and the protection of lives and property in Plateau State.”