Plateau state chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has petitioned Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Department of Security Service (DSS) and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace over what it described as persistent killing and poisoning of cattle in villages of Barikin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

The petition, dated April 23, 2026, was signed by state chairman Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo and made available to journalists in Jos yesterday, Friday April 24, 2026.

Babayo said the petition was necessary due to criminal activities threatening the livelihood of herders in the area.

The petition titled ‘Urgent Complaint on Repeated Killing of Cattle’ 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.”

The chairman further noted that “on 18th April 2026, Ten (10) cows were poisoned to death in Rakung Village. On 20th April 2026, one (1) cow was killed in the same Rakung Village by the same group. On 22nd April 2026, Nine (9) cattle were poisoned to death behind Lokojora area.

“On 22nd April 2026, one (1) cow was poisoned along the Nding axis while on 23rd April 2026, another cow was again poisoned to death in the same axis,” he added.

Babayo stressed that the attacks, which are deliberately carried out, “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.”

The chairman claimed that despite the repeated attacks, no arrest or compensation has been made, urging security agencies to end the attacks and asked government to compensate victims and probe the incidents.

While calling for thorough investigation, the group urged its members to remain calm, emphasizing 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. (The Guardian)

Update news