Plateau: MACBAN raises alarm over alleged killing of 13-year-old herder by security operatives

By Muhammad Tanko Shittu —

A 13-year-old herder, Abubakar Sadi, has allegedly been killed by security operatives in Dakun community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has alleged.

The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday afternoon amid heightened security presence in the area following recurring clashes between farming and herding communities.

Security personnel, including soldiers, operatives of the State Security Service, SSS, and mobile policemen, have been deployed to the area to maintain law and order.

Chairman of MACBAN in Riyom, Bello Adamu, who confirmed the incident, said the teenager was killed while grazing between 1pm and 2pm.

A community leader, Ibrahim Chiroma, said residents were holding a peace meeting with the youth leader of Jol when they heard gunshots.

He said they rushed to the scene and found DSS personnel dispersing herders who were grazing in the area.

“As we approached the scene, we met DSS personnel dispersing herders who were grazing,” Mr Chiroma said.

He said after recovering the victim’s body, they contacted the commander of the security team, who denied involvement in the killing.

“This is their third day here and this is what they have done to us. This is unjust.

“I am calling on the government to be just to us. We are not being treated fairly. We demand compensation for the victim,” he said.

Sanusi Auwal, a brother of the deceased, described the incident as brutal, alleging that the teenager was going about his lawful business when security operatives opened fire on the herders.

“My brother was just 13 years old. He went out for peaceful grazing without any provocation or farm destruction, and they killed him.

“We are not suspecting civilians, but DSS personnel. We call on both the state and federal governments to come to our aid.

“They are supposed to protect the lives of all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity or religion,” he said.