Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association submits formal complaint to Plateau state authorities, secret police regarding suspected cattle poisoning incident

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, or MACBAN, in Plateau State has taken a formal stance by petitioning the Plateau State Government, the Department of State Services, and the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace regarding the alleged persistent killing and poisoning of cattle in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area communities.

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This petition, which bears the date of April 23, 2026, was signed by MACBAN's state chairman, Ibrahim Babayo, and was made available to the press in Jos on Friday, highlighting the urgency of the matter.

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According to Babayo, the petition was necessitated by what he termed as criminal activities that threaten the very livelihood of herders in the area, prompting the need for immediate attention and action.

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The petition, titled "Urgent Complaint on Repeated Killing of Cattle," outlines a series of incidents that have occurred within a very short period, specifically on the 18th, 20th, 22nd, and 23rd of April, 2026, across different communities in Barkin Ladi LGA, revealing a pattern of coordinated attacks without any visible intervention or justice.

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On April 18, 2026, Babayo alleged that 10 cows were poisoned to death in Rakung Village, marking the beginning of a series of attacks on livestock in the area.

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Furthermore, on April 20, 2026, one cow was killed in the same Rakung Village, indicating a continuation of these attacks.

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Additional incidents occurred on April 22, 2026, when nine cattle were poisoned to death behind the Lokojora area, and another cow was poisoned along the Nding axis on the same day, further exacerbating the situation.

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On April 23, 2026, another cow was allegedly poisoned to death along the Nding axis, consistent with the pattern of attacks established in the preceding days.

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Babay described these attacks on livestock as acts of economic sabotage that pose a significant threat to peaceful coexistence, food security, and the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

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He expressed dismay that despite the repeated nature of these attacks, no arrests have been made, and no compensation has been paid to the victims, highlighting a lack of action from the authorities.

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Babayo urged security agencies to take immediate action to end these attacks, investigate the incidents thoroughly, and bring the perpetrators to justice, seeking a comprehensive response to the crisis.

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He also called upon the government to provide compensation to the affected herders, recognizing their losses and the need for restitution.

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While appealing for calm among his members, Babayo emphasized that they remain committed to peace and the law, stating, "Our members remain law-abiding and committed to peace."

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He cautioned that continued silence or inaction in the face of these repeated provocations may undermine ongoing peace efforts and erode trust in constituted authorities, highlighting the potential consequences of inaction.