Niger Delta elders attack Miyetti Allah, gives reasons

The Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has berated the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association, MACBAN, over the renewed killings in Plateau State.

Recall that suspected armed herders on June 24 2018, killed 86 persons during an attack on Razat, Ruku, Nyarr, Kura and Gana-Ropp villages of Gashish District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, over the weekend.

Reacting, Danladi Ciroma, the Chairman, North Central zone said the attack was in retaliation of the killing of over 300 cows in the last few weeks by the villagers.

However, PANDEF condemned the boastful statement by MACBAN.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson,Alfred Mulade, PANDEF demanded an immediate repudiation of the claim and apology by the group to affected people and communities.

The statement read: “PANDEF condemns in the strongest possible terms the statement credited to the Chairman of the North Central Chapter of MACBAN, Danladi Ciroma that the attacks were retaliatory over cows lost by herdsmen in the last few weeks.

“That statement, to say the least is callous, insensitive and provocative. We call on the leadership of MACBAN to denounce it immediately, and apologise to the people of the affected communities, in the interest of peace and harmony.

“In as much as we do not support cattle rustling under any guise, it is, however, absurd that human lives are now being equated with those of cows in the country. That kind of statement gives the obvious impression that MACBAN supports and aids the spate of killings by herdsmen across the North Central region and other parts of the country.

“It is imperative for the government to thoroughly scrutinise the activities of MACBAN and also put its leadership under security watch.”