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Danladi Ciroma, the Chairman, North Central zone of Miyetti Allah Cattle
Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has reacted to the recent
attacks on Plateau villages by suspected herdsmen where over 86 persons
were hacked to death.
Ciroma in a statement claimed that the attack was in retaliation of the
killing of over 300 cows in the last few weeks by the villagers.
He said despite the efforts of the state government, some criminal
elements hiding among their people were still frustrating the peace
efforts.
“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.
“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.
“Though the security agencies have tried, they need to do more by being
fair to all parties; they should not neglect any report presented by
Fulani of Berom 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.
“These communities have leaders, why hide the criminals? They should fish
out the criminals and hand them over to security agencies to avoid death
of innocent ones.
“As it is today, the Berom man cannot go to farm, the Fulani cannot breed
his cows in Berom Land. This can be stopped if the security agencies do
more than what they are currently doing. The attacks will stop as soon as
the security agencies stop Berom youths from stealing Fulani cows” he
added.