The Plateau State chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has petitioned Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Department of Security Service (DSS), and the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace over the persistent killing and poisoning of cattle in villages within Barikin Ladi Local Government Area.
The petition, dated April 23, 2026, was signed by the state chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, and made available to journalists in Jos on Friday, April 24, 2026. Babayo stated that the petition was necessitated by criminal activities threatening the livelihood of herders in the area.
Titled 'Urgent Complaint on Repeated Killing of Cattle,' the petition explains that “these incidents have occurred repeatedly within a very short period, specifically on the 18th, 20th, 22nd, and 23rd of April, 2026, in different communities within Barkin Ladi LGA, indicating a dangerous pattern of coordinated attacks without any visible intervention, arrest, or justice.”
According to the chairman, on April 18, 2026, ten cows were poisoned to death in Rakung Village. On April 20, 2026, one cow was killed in the same village by the same group. On April 22, 2026, nine cattle were poisoned behind Lokojora area, and one cow was poisoned along the Nding axis. On April 23, 2026, another cow was poisoned to death along the same axis.
Babayo emphasized that these deliberate attacks “against our livestock are not only acts of economic sabotage but also a direct threat to peaceful coexistence, food security, and the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens.” He claimed that despite the repeated attacks, no arrests or compensation have been made, urging security agencies to end the attacks and requesting the government to compensate victims and investigate the incidents.
While calling for a thorough investigation, the group urged its members to remain calm, stating that “our members remain law-abiding and committed to peace. Continued silence or inaction in the face of these repeated provocations may undermine ongoing peace efforts and erode trust in constituted authorities.”
MACBAN has repeatedly accused Berom youths of being responsible for the attacks, but the National President of Berom Youth Molders Association, Barrister Solomon Dalyop, has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that his members have no hand in the attacks.
