The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) has faulted allegations by the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) that local youths shot and poisoned cows in parts of Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas of the state.
MACBAN had claimed that seven cows belonging to a Fulani herder were attacked in Heipang district of Barkin Ladi, with three reportedly killed instantly, and that a similar incident occurred the same night in Kwi village, Riyom LGA.
However, BYM, in a statement issued late on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, described the allegations as misleading and part of what it called a familiar narrative often deployed ahead of attacks on Berom communities.
The group argued that the claims were inconsistent with what it described as credible intelligence reports already in the public domain, which allegedly warned of planned attacks by armed Fulani groups on Kwi and neighbouring communities, including Wereng and parts of Heipang.
BYM said it found it troubling that MACBAN’s statement emerged shortly after those security alerts, adding that similar claims in the past had preceded violent incidents in the area.
The association further cited intelligence warnings of planned ambushes along the Sho–Jol axis, noting that the threat allegedly materialised with the killing of a three-year-old pupil, Purity Gideon Samuel, who was attacked along the Sho–Jol Road on January 10.
According to BYM, communities along the Sho and Jol routes remain under persistent threat, and it challenged MACBAN to explain the repeated killings and insecurity reported along those corridors.
The group also alleged that suspected Fulani militants attacked Nukur village in Rahoss community, Riyom LGA, late on January 11, killing two residents.
Tengwong accused MACBAN of repeatedly raising what he termed unverified claims of attacks on herders as a justification for reprisals against Berom communities, warning that such narratives only deepen mistrust and escalate tension.
BYM called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate both MACBAN’s allegations and the series of attacks reported in Berom areas, urging authorities to act on available intelligence and strengthen protection for communities it said are facing imminent threats.
