Our People Didn’t Attack Barkin Ladi – Plateau MACBAN

The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied claims that Fulani herders were involved in the violent attacks that killed 13 people in Heipang and Fan districts of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Tuesday night.

The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) had alleged that armed Fulani militias from Fass and Werre-Jong launched simultaneous attacks on Rachas village in Heipang District and Rawuru village in Fan District, resulting in the fatalities.

Reacting in a statement on Thursday, MACBAN State Chairman Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo described the allegations as false and baseless, noting that security agencies are still investigating the incidents and have not implicated herders.

“We are not surprised by the allegations by BYM, considering that such accusations against Fulani have become a normal routine. Our members are often accused of attacks without any evidence,” Babayo said.

He added that Fulani communities in Plateau have historically suffered from unfounded accusations, persistent attacks, killings, and cattle rustling. Since June 2025, Fulani herders in the state reportedly lost over 500 cattle, including incidents where herders were killed alongside their livestock.

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Specific incidents cited by Babayo include:

• Rustling of 160 cattle belonging to Haruna Ibrahim and Alhaji Sani Muhammad in Fan District (June 1–14)
• Killing of a herder and seven cattle on September 2
• Attacks in October, including three herders attacked on October 2, Yusuf Abubakar and five cattle killed on October 5, and Abubakar Wada with 39 cattle killed on October 7

“All these incidents have been reported to security agencies, including the police, Operation Safe Haven, and the DSS,” Babayo noted.

MACBAN condemned all forms of violence and called on security agencies to identify and bring the perpetrators of the Barkin Ladi attacks to justice, while also protecting herders living in constant fear.

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Babayo challenged BYM to present evidence to support its claims and urged Fulani communities in the state to remain calm, law-abiding, and allow the authorities to carry out investigations.