The Fulani community in Plateau State has refuted claims circulating online that it is planning attacks on communities in Barikin Ladi, Mangu, Bokkos, and Bassa local government areas.
The allegations suggested that meetings were held at various locations, including a mosque in Mahanga, to organize attacks during Ramadan.
In response, the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Yusuf Ibrahim Babayo, issued a statement yesterday condemning the accusations. He described them as baseless and harmful, saying:
“We strongly condemn these spurious and unsubstantiated allegations. Such claims damage our integrity, reinforce negative stereotypes, and unfairly stigmatize our community.
“We believe these falsehoods are being spread to divert the attention of security agencies and create an opportunity for attacks against our people.
“Given this situation, we call on security forces to ensure our protection, as we fear for our safety. As law-abiding citizens, we urge the GOC 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, along with the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, to investigate these claims thoroughly and reveal the truth.”
Meanwhile, the National President of the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), Khalil Bello, has urged President Bola Tinubu to accelerate the development of the livestock sector in Northern Nigeria.
In a statement released yesterday in Damaturu, Bello highlighted the urgent need for the government to operationalize the Ministry of Livestock Development (MoLD), which was established eight months ago but has yet to commence full operations.
He emphasized the region’s vast livestock population, noting that Yobe State alone has an estimated 2.7 million cattle, 2.1 million sheep, and three million goats, while Borno State has the highest livestock population in the country at 11.7 million.
Despite these numbers, Bello lamented that inadequate government attention has hindered growth in the sector, limiting its potential contribution to food security and economic development.
KACRAN called on the Federal Government to prioritize investment in livestock infrastructure, research, and support programs to reduce reliance on costly imported dairy products.
