The
Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has described
the attacks on some communities in Plateau state as an act of retaliation.
Suspected
herdsmen attacked Riyom, Barakin Ladi and Jos south
local government areas of the state on Saturday night.
Residents
said over 1oo persons were killed in the incident while the police confirmed 86
casualties.
In
a statement on Monday, Danladi Ciroma, chairman, north-central zone of the
cattle breeders association, said herdsmen in the state had lost about 300 cows
in the weeks leading to the attack.
He
accused the communities of hiding cattle rustlers among them as well as
frustrating peace efforts of the state government.
“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.”
He
added that the security agencies should be fair to all parties, and should not
neglect any report presented by the Fulani “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.
Hundreds
have been killed this year alone in attacks by suspected herdsmen as well as in
clashes between the headers and farmers.
President
Muhammadu Buhari had vowed to bring the killers to
book.
What a country where cows equate to human beings. As usual, the government has promised to fish out the perpetrators.
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