MACBAN alleges two herders murdered by local militias in Plateau ambush

Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has alleged that a local militia murdered two Fulani herdsmen in an ambush at Talma village in Ngel District of Jos South Local Government Area of the state.

The Chairman of the group in the state, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, who confirmed this to journalists in Jos on Tuesday, said the attack occurred on Monday at about 8p.m. as the victims were heading to their cattle pen after the day’s grazing when they ran into the deadly ambush.

Babayo identified the alleged victims as 28-year-old Sadiq Muhammad and 29-year-old Mas’ud Abdullahi.

He said the attack was unprovoked as the herdsmen and their cattle did not encroach on farmlands which could warrant the attack.

While calling on security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the act, Babayo warned that any attempt to sweep the matter under the carpet will not be acceptable.

Narrating how the herdsmen were killed, Babayo said the attackers, who were armed with dangerous weapons, opened fire on the victims, shooting them several times and killing them on the spot. 

“Not yet done with the shooting, the militia gang also gouged out the eyes of the victims for no offence committed by the victims,” the MACBAN Chairman said.

“This act of terrorism has become a recurring occurrence, especially in Gyel District. Herders can no longer graze or move freely without being attacked or killed,” he added.

According to Babayo, one of the survivors, Ismaila Haruna, recounted how he narrowly escaped the attack.

“Haruna told our leaders in the community that three of them were riding on motorcycles to the cattle pen when the gunmen suddenly opened fire indiscriminately.

“He said after they fell, the gunmen moved in and continued shooting at his two colleagues, making sure they were dead. He managed to escape and reported the incident to personnel of Operation Enduring Peace.

“Haruna said security personnel later accompanied him back to the scene, where they recovered the bodies of the victims and the motorcycle.

“After returning to the headquarters of the operation, the bodies were released to our leaders and families for burial.

“I urge all our members to remain peaceful and allow the security agencies to investigate the incident. We must continue to be law-abiding citizens,” Babayo admonished.