Berom Youth Group Rejects MACBAN Allegation of Cow Killings in Barkin Ladi, Calls It “Early Warning Signal”
BYM says claim is “premature” and could be used to justify attacks
Our Correspondent
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association, BYM, has rejected an allegation by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Plateau State Chapter, that “suspected Berom militias” killed eight cows in Yarwei Village, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Rwang Tengwong on behalf of President Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, BYM described the allegation as “premature, speculative and unsupported by any credible investigation” and called on security agencies to treat it as an early warning signal to prevent possible violence.
“First, BYM firmly rejects MACBAN’s reference to ‘suspected Berom militias.’ The Berom Nation does not have any militia. If the Berom people had an organized militia as is often alleged by the Fulani, our communities would not have continued to suffer repeated attacks, killings, displacement and destruction of property over the years,” the statement said.
BYM accused MACBAN of rushing to assign blame without waiting for security agencies to establish facts. “Such reckless accusations have, in the past, heightened tensions and preceded violent attacks on innocent indigenous communities,” it added.
The group noted that Yarwei Village is among areas designated by security agencies as buffer zones where grazing is prohibited.
“This raises serious questions as to why cattle were taken into the prohibited area in the first place. Security agencies must investigate who violated this directive and determine the actual circumstances surrounding the alleged incident,” BYM stated.
The association warned that the allegation “may be part of a familiar pattern in which unverified claims are used to create a pretext for retaliatory attacks against peaceful communities.”
It therefore urged security agencies to take proactive measures to protect residents of Barkin Ladi and neighbouring communities.
BYM also recalled that large expanses of land previously belonging to indigenous communities remain under herders’ control following years of attacks and displacement.
Despite this, it said, “some herders continue to move cattle dangerously close to residential communities, contrary to security advice and to the anxiety of local residents.”
“While the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of movement, that right is not absolute and cannot be exercised in a manner that endangers the lives, safety and security of others,” the statement added.
The group further referenced recent similar allegations against DSS operatives in Barkin Ladi, which it said were never substantiated.
“Since the deployment of the DSS, the area has witnessed relative peace. It is therefore unfortunate that another allegation has surfaced which appears capable of undermining the gains recorded by the security agencies.”
BYM called on the Plateau State Government and all security agencies to carry out “a professional, impartial and transparent investigation” into the incident and ensure that “those responsible, whoever they may be, should be brought to justice based on credible evidence and not on ethnic profiling.
“The association urged Berom people and other residents to “remain peaceful, vigilant and continue to cooperate with security agencies,” while asking security personnel to “strengthen surveillance around vulnerable communities to prevent any attempt by criminal elements to exploit this allegation as a justification for renewed attacks.”
“We remain committed to justice, peaceful coexistence and the protection of innocent lives,” BYM assured.
Efforts to get a reaction from MACBAN Plateau State Chapter were not successful as of press time.
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