MACBAN Disputes Involvement in Plateau Attacks, Denies Land-Grabbing Accusations

• MACBAN in Mangu, Plateau State, denies herders’ involvement in recent attacks, refuting accusations and emphasizing losses suffered by herders
• MACBAN chairman Yahaya Bello rejects characterization of Fulani community as militias, disputes claims of land-grabbing, and denies members being apprehended with weapons

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, has strongly denied allegations of herders’ involvement in recent attacks in the region. Yahaya Bello, the chairman of MACBAN in Mangu, refuted the accusations, describing them as “untrue” and emphasising the losses suffered by herders within the community.

Bello clarified, “We are not responsible; we are the people of Mangu, not militias. Many of our people were killed.” He provided context, stating that Mangu is a vast local government with about 11 districts, of which approximately 9 do not have Fulani residents. Bello rejected the characterization of the Fulani community as militias, emphasizing their non-involvement in the attacks.

Additionally, Bello dismissed claims of MACBAN’s participation in land-grabbing activities. He clarified, “No, that is not true. The issue of land grabbing, Fulani are just there to rear our cows; we have never done that.”

Addressing suspicions about perpetrators, MACBAN denied any members being apprehended with weapons related to the attacks. Bello asserted, “Nothing of that nature; nobody has ever been arrested from our side with ammunition. I have not seen it.”