Leaders of Gwong Development Association (GDA) have cautioned the Kaduna State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) against spreading alleged claims of killings that could undermine peace efforts in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. GDA, in a statement by its chairman, Prof. Ishaya Auta, faulted MACBAN’s report alleging that four herders were ambushed by armed militias at Tanda village on September 28, 2025.

The association described the claim as misleading and capable of inflaming tensions among residents of Gwong Chiefdom.

According to the group, the conflict in Tanda and Asso communities did not occur without provocation.

It explained that on September 20, 2025, Fulani herders allegedly returned from night grazing around 8:30 p.m. destroying farm crops.

The herders reportedly failed to heed to warnings and were later seen grazing on farms the next day, sparking a clash that left both locals and herders injured. The association said a peace meeting was held on September 22, involving government officials, the District Head of Asso, and community stakeholders. GDA added that suspected herders allegedly resumed attacks, leading to the disappearance of two farmers, Douglas Andrew and Matthew Noel Bazara, from their farms.

The association claimed that the herders were invited by security agents over the incident, but they refused to honour the invitation and fled.

“On September 29, a farmer, Timothy Dyeri, was killed on his farm; while on October 5, another resident, Paul Dangari Gambo, was murdered in his house.

“Investigations later revealed that herders confessed to killing the two missing farmers,” the statement said. The group criticized MACBAN for failing to acknowledge the efforts of Jema’a Local Government Chairman, Hon. Peter Tanko Dogara, who promptly convened peace meetings and visited affected families in Tanda, Asso, and Kariyo communities.

It also commended His Royal Highness, the Kpop Gwong, and representatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for visiting the affected families to appeal for calm and peaceful coexistence.

GDA urged MACBAN to respect the dignity of human life and avoid narratives that portray the Gwong people as aggressors. (Saturday Sun)