Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has accused Irigwe youths in Dan Tanko village, Bassa Local Government Area, of killing a 22-year-old herder identified as Aliyu Abdulrazak, and rustling his cattle in an attack on Sunday, April 12.
Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the state MACBAN Chairman, who made the accusations in a statement on Monday, said the group strongly condemned the attack which he described as unprovoked, and the tragic killing of Abdulrazak who was killed while going about his grazing business without infringing on anyone’s land.
“Aliyu Abdulrazak, 22 years old, was reportedly carrying out his lawful and peaceful grazing activities when he was brutally attacked and killed by Irigwe Militias.
“This senseless act of violence is not only inhumane but also a grave violation of the fundamental right to life,” Babayo said.
He stated that in addition to the killing of the herder, the attackers also killed five cows and rustled fifteen others belonging to the victim.
“This represents a serious economic loss to the family and further deepens the insecurity faced by pastoral communities in the area.
“These recent unprovoked attacks bring the total number of cows killed to approximately 80 since January 2026 in the Bassa LGA.
“The authorities’ inaction in ending the recurrent poisoning and killing of animals raises serious concerns about the fragile peace in the area,” he alleged.
Continuing, the MACBAN Chairman recalled that another herder, Aminu Sale, was ambushed and attacked on Saturday April 11, by suspected Berom militias while grazing in Anguwan Weren, Rim ward, of Riyom Local Government Area, while three cows belonging to Sale were also shot “resulting in the instantaneous death of one cow and serious gunshot injuries to the other two.”
“MACBAN views this incident as unacceptable and calls on security agencies to urgently investigate, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible for this barbaric act. Justice must be served to deter further occurrences and restore confidence among herders and law-abiding citizens.
“We also call on all stakeholders, community leaders, and government authorities to take proactive measures in promoting peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and mutual respect among all communities in Bassa LGA and beyond.
“The association remains committed to peace and will continue to support all lawful efforts aimed at ensuring harmony and security for all,” Babayo added.
Plateau: MACBAN accuses ‘Irigwe militias’ of killing herder, rustling cattle in Bassa
