The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has responded to allegations made by Emmanuel Jelan, a social critic and advocate, that approximately 16 communities in the state’s Barkin Ladi Local Government Area have been forcefully taken over and occupied by Fulani terrorists.
Jelan, who raised the alarm in an open letter to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, stated that, despite claims by the government and Fulani groups that terrorists are not occupying any communities, available records show that terrorists have annexed approximately 16 rural communities, either completely or partially.
He went on to name the impacted communities, stating that most of the villagers no longer had access to their homes and farmlands due to fear for their lives. Schools, hospitals, and religious institutions have all been closed down.
However, in response to the charges, MACBAN issued a statement on Thursday, signed by its Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, denying that the Fulani people have occupied any portion of Plateau State.
In the statement headlined “Re: Response to recent allegations against the Fulani community in Barkin Ladi LGA”, the herders’ body said the allegations were not only baseless but deceptive and unsupported by verifiable facts.
“The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State Chapter, has taken note of the recent press conference in which certain individuals made allegations against the Fulani community in Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State,” the statement stated.
Further, it added:
“We would want to say that these charges are baseless, deceptive, and not supported by verified evidence.
Public pronouncements on critical security issues should be handled with caution and responsibility, since they have the potential to exacerbate tensions and hinder ongoing peacebuilding efforts.
“We completely refute the accusation that the Fulani community in Plateau State has seized or illegally occupied anyone’s land. Such broad claims do not reflect the long-standing presence and legal operations of pastoral groups throughout the state.
“The timing and substance of the latest charges have also generated worries in our community, especially in light of the present issues confronting Fulani communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
“We are worried that such public pronouncements, if not supported by genuine information, could exacerbate confusion and deepen divides. As a result, we urge all stakeholders to refrain from engaging in acts or narratives that could exacerbate an already volatile situation.
“MACBAN remains committed to peaceful coexistence, the rule of law, and constructive engagement with the government, security services, traditional institutions, and all Plateau State communities.
“We encourage anyone who has reliable proof of crime by an individual to present it to the relevant law enforcement authorities rather than making broad charges against an entire ethnic community.
“We reaffirm our commitment to dialogue, justice, and lasting peace, and we urge all parties to embrace responsible communication and mutual respect in the interest of unity and stability in Plateau State.”