The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has alleged that at least 18 cows were shot dead and 130 others rustled by suspected natives in various parts of the state, with the most recent incident reported in Howl community, Bokkos Local Government Area.
In a statement obtained by DAILY POST on Monday, MACBAN State Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, claimed the incidents occurred last week, with the latest cattle rustling taking place on Wednesday, July 30. He said the whereabouts of the rustled cattle remain unknown.
“Since Wednesday, July 30, we have been searching for the whereabouts of the cattle. The gunmen rustled 130 cattle and killed 18 others,” Babayo stated.
He alleged that members of the Ron ethnic group, predominant in Bokkos LGA, were behind the attacks, adding that the incidents had been reported to security agencies. However, he expressed frustration over what he described as the reluctance of security personnel to take prompt action.
Reacting swiftly to the claims, the Secretary of the Ron Kulere Jos and Environs, Barr. John Apollos Maton, dismissed the allegations, describing them as baseless and provocative.
According to Maton, the claims are a fabrication intended to justify potential reprisal attacks on local communities by suspected Fulani militias.
“This is a mere figment of the imagination of the Fulani group to divert attention from the atrocities they have committed and continue to commit in Bokkos and other parts of Plateau State,” Maton said.
He urged security agencies to be vigilant and proactive in preventing any form of retaliatory violence, warning that such unverified accusations could escalate tensions and endanger lives.
The exchange of allegations comes amid heightened concerns over security in Plateau State, where recent attacks and reprisals have left several communities vulnerable.
