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JOS, PLATEAU STATE — By Prime Brief Media

The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has formally petitioned Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Department of State Services, and the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, alleging a disturbing pattern of targeted attacks on Fulani herders and the deliberate poisoning of cattle across Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas.

The petition, dated April 23, 2026, and signed by MACBAN State Chairman Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, catalogues a series of incidents between April 18 and April 23 that the association describes as "a troubling pattern of deliberate attacks" on pastoralist communities.

According to the petition, 10 cows were allegedly poisoned in Rakung Village on April 18, while another cow was reportedly killed in the same village on April 20. The association further claimed that nine cattle were poisoned in the Lokojora area on April 22, with additional incidents reported along the Nding axis on April 22 and 23.

"These deliberate poisoning and killing of Fulani herders' cattle have had economic implications for our members and have raised concerns about their broader impact on livelihoods, food security, and community relations," the petition stated.

Babayo alleged that despite repeated reports made to security agencies, no arrests have been made in connection with any of the reported incidents. He called on security forces to urgently investigate the matter, prevent further occurrences, and ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

"Continued silence or inaction in the face of these repeated provocations may undermine ongoing peace efforts and erode trust in constituted authorities," Babayo warned. The MACBAN chairman, however, appealed to his members to remain calm and law-abiding, urging them not to take matters into their own hands despite the alleged provocations.

Separate Fatal Attack in Riyom

In a related but distinct incident on April 26, suspected gunmen killed a herder identified as Rabiu Aliyu Ya'uu and shot 21 cattle in Diyan village, Riyom District, according to MACBAN. The attack occurred around noon while the cattle were grazing. Eight of the cattle died instantly, while the remaining animals sustained critical injuries. One herder managed to escape the assault.

Babayo described the Diyan attack as "unprovoked" and "a grave violation of human rights," calling on the state government and security agencies to fulfil their constitutional duty to protect the lives and property of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or occupation.

Denials from Berom Youth Moulders Association

MACBAN has repeatedly pointed to Berom youths as being responsible for the attacks on herders and cattle. However, the National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Barrister Solomon Dalyop, has consistently and categorically denied the allegations, insisting that members of his association have no involvement in the attacks.

The exchange of accusations and counter-denials between MACBAN and BYM underscores the deepening trust deficit between pastoralist and farming communities across Plateau State. The two groups have traded hostile rhetoric in recent weeks, with BYM earlier accusing MACBAN of attempting to shield a suspect arrested in connection with an April 5 attack on Pwomol village that left two people dead.

No Official Response Yet

As of the time of this report, there had been no official response from the Plateau State Government, the Department of State Services, or Operation Enduring Peace regarding MACBAN's petition. Prime Brief Media has reached out to all relevant authorities for comment and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Security analysts warn that the cycle of allegations and perceived impunity, combined with the absence of visible and timely interventions from security agencies, risks escalating into retaliatory violence as tensions continue to mount in the affected areas.

Prime Brief Media notes that the facts in this report are drawn from MACBAN's official petition and subsequent statements. The Berom Youth Moulders Association has denied allegations of involvement in the incidents, and security agencies have not issued formal conclusions on the matter. We will continue to monitor developments across Plateau State.

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