Plateau Killings: “No one should expect peace if herdsmen’s cows are not found” – Miyetti Allah
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has attempted to give reasons for the killing of over 100 persons by suspected herdsmen in Plateau State.
The herdsmen had run rampage on Saturday through Sunday, attacking Riyom, Barakin Ladi and Jos south local government areas of the state.
Miyetti Allah claims the attacks were reprisal attacks by aggrieved herdsmen who had lost about 300 cows.
Police confirm 86 deaths, but several reports put the casualties well above 100.
The chairman, north-central zone of the cattle breeders association, Danladi Ciroma, said in a statement on Monday that the attacks were reprisal attacks.
“These attacks are retaliatory. As much as I don’t support the killing of human being, the truth must be told that those who carried out the attacks must be on revenge mission,” Ciroma said.
“There have been recent reports of cow rustling and destruction of farms between Berom farmers and Fulani herdsmen. The people carrying out these criminal activities are well known to the communities but the communities are hiding them.
“Fulani herdsmen have lost about 300 cows in the last few weeks – 94 cows were rustled by armed Berom youths in Fan village, another 36 cows were killed by Berom youths. In addition to that, 174 cattle were rustled and the criminals disappeared with them to Mangu.
“Since these cows were not found, no one should expect peace in the areas. Even soldiers that went after the criminals to recover the rustled cows were shot by the armed rustlers and eventually escaped with all the cows.
“The government of Governor Lalong has done a lot to restore peace, but the criminal elements hiding among their people are the ones frustrating these peace efforts.”
Ciroma further said security agencies should not be partial in dealing with the situation by only listening to one side of the report, “because such report can lead to attacks and deaths if not properly handled.”
“Criminals thrive a lot in Berom communities, but when the Fulani, who are always victims of their crime, react with attacks, they blame the government,” he added.
