The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) has vehemently condemned what it called the recent attack on innocent Fulani communities in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The association in a statement pointed accusing fingers on security personnel, saying they were deeply involved in the violence. MACBAN says the incident, which took place on Sunday, December 24, 2023, resulted in the “tragic loss of 22 lives and the destruction of around 130 houses.”
MACBAN’s statement says the attack occurred in the early morning and lasted for approximately nine hours, affecting several villages including Makada, Matalem, Momndun, Matol, Tashan Maikarfi, Yelwan Nono, Fokos, Shoro, and Morfet.
The association described the incident as an unprovoked act of criminality and barbarism, particularly lamenting the role of security forces in leading the operation.
The statement, signed by Muhammad Nuru Abdullah, the Chairman of MACBAN in Plateau State, highlighted that the attack followed a cattle rustling incident the previous day, where three herders were killed and an attempt was made to rustle 181 cows.
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Abdullah strongly refuted accusations levelled against the Fulani for previous attacks in the Bokkos and Barkin Ladi areas, dismissing them as baseless falsehoods.
Expressing deep concern, MACBAN noted that the attack had thrown the entire Fulani community into confusion, with innocent people and their properties being targeted. The association emphasized that the Fulani have been stretched beyond elasticity and are oppressed, calling for a stop to such brutality.
Abdullah, in his statement, extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for eternal rest for their souls. He urged calm and restraint, advising the public against taking the law into their own hands. He emphasized the importance of allowing security forces to conduct their investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice.
MACBAN appealed for support and understanding from the public, adding there was a need for collaborative efforts to ensure lasting peace in the communities. The incident has raised grave concerns about the safety of minority communities and the conduct of security forces in the region, calling for immediate and effective measures to address the challenges.
The Plateau State Police Command did not respond to WikkiTimes request for comment. DSP Alfred Alabo, the command’s spokesman did not pick up calls and respond to the messages sent to him as of press time.
