‘We’ll no longer tolerate deliberate killing of our cows by local militias’ – Plateau MACBAN

Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has issued a stern warning to local gangs it identified as the “Berom and Mangu Militias” against deliberate attacks on and the killing of its members’ cows across the state.

In the warning contained in a statement signed on Wednesday by its Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the organisation alleged that since the beginning of the year, the herding community had lost well over 2,000 cows and more than 100 herdsmen through unprovoked attacks allegedly staged by Berom and Mangu militia gangs, especially in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Jos East, Bassa and Mangu local government areas.

Babayo stated that while many are made to believe that Fulani bandits orchestrate these attacks, findings have shown that most of them are perpetrated by local militia gangs, who not only kill herders and their cows but also steal the cattle in the process.

Making particular reference to an alleged attack in Bangai Village, Riyom, which he said occurred on Wednesday, Babayo said a herder, Alhaji Jeji Abdullahi, was ambushed by Berom militants and 21 of his cows were killed.

“The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) strongly condemns the brutal and unlawful killing of 21 cows belonging to Alhaji Jeji Abdullahi of Bangai Village, Riyom Local Government Area, allegedly carried out by Berom militias from Torok Village on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, at about 1:00 pm,” he said.

Babayo lamented that the attack was another disturbing example of the repeated destruction of the livelihoods of innocent pastoralists in Plateau State.

“The deliberate killing of livestock, which serves as the primary source of livelihood for Fulani families, is not only a criminal act but also a direct threat to peaceful coexistence, economic stability and the rule of law,” he added.

He further noted that the organisation was deeply concerned that, despite repeated appeals for restraint and justice, attacks targeting herders and their livestock continue unabated.

“Such actions only heighten tension, undermine efforts at reconciliation and expose innocent communities to unnecessary hardship.

“We will no longer fold our hands and watch as these local militia gangs, especially the Berom and Mangu Militias, deliberately and systematically attack our people, kill them and their cows. We will take action, including seeking justice within and outside Nigeria. Enough is enough,” he warned.

The group, however, called on the Plateau State Government, the Inspector-General of Police, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) and all other relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the attacks, identify those responsible, and ensure that they are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.

“We also urge the authorities to strengthen security around vulnerable pastoral communities and grazing areas to prevent further attacks and protect lives and property, irrespective of ethnicity or occupation.

“While we condemn this grievous act in the strongest terms, we appeal to members of the Fulani community to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, and to continue cooperating with security agencies as efforts are made to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We, however, insist that the continuous destruction of the lives and property of innocent pastoralists must come to an end,” MACBAN added.