The Plateau State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ibrahim Babayo, has alleged that Fulani herders in the state are facing growing insecurity and marginalisation, following a series of attacks that reportedly left five of their members dead within days.
Babayo said three herders were ambushed and killed on February 20, 2026, while returning from Dorowan Babuje around 7 p.m.
“It was very shocking and painful. Three of our members were ambushed and killed. One of them was beheaded, and his head was taken away,” he said.
He added that despite the provocation, the association had urged its members to remain calm and allow security agencies to investigate the incident.
“We have appealed to our people not to take the law into their hands. We cannot correct violence with violence. We are calling on security agencies to arrest those responsible and ensure justice is served,” Babayo stated.
According to him, barely 24 hours later, two teenage herders were attacked while grazing cattle in the Jol community. One of the victims was later found buried in the sand, while the whereabouts of the other remain unknown.
“With the help of security personnel, we recovered the body of one of the teenagers and buried him. But up till now, we have not seen the other one. It is heartbreaking,” he said.
Babayo further disclosed that days before the killings, six cows belonging to Fulani herders were shot around the airport area, describing the incident as part of a pattern of attacks.
“We reported the killing of the cows to the authorities. Security operatives accompanied us to evacuate the remaining ones. Two had already died, but we managed to save four,” he explained.
He described the current mood among Fulani communities in the state as tense and worrisome, alleging that herders are frequently targeted.
“Anywhere our members are sighted, they are easily attacked. The tension is very high. We are calling on security agencies to protect lives and property,” he said.
While extending condolences to families affected by recent killings across communities, including Fulani, Berom and Hausa victims, Babayo stressed the need for peace.
“Without peace, we cannot achieve anything. What peace cannot bring, conflict and war will not bring,” he said.
On efforts to de-escalate tensions, the MACBAN chairman said he personally attended the burial of the deceased and cautioned members against reprisals.
“I warned them seriously not to engage in retaliation. Anything they observe should be reported to security agencies,” he said.
Babayo denied allegations that Fulani herders were responsible for attacks in the area, describing such claims as unfounded.
“It is baseless information. Most of the time, our members are accused without evidence. There may be reprisals in some cases, but many incidents happen without the knowledge of Miyetti Allah,” he said.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as the state government’s failure to engage Fulani leaders in dialogue.
“The only time we meet is when security agencies call for meetings. Neither the local nor the state government has initiated dialogue to resolve these conflicts,” he alleged.
Beyond security concerns, Babayo claimed that Fulani communities in Plateau lack basic amenities and feel excluded from government programmes.
“In our communities, you cannot see water, roads, electricity, hospitals or schools. We feel treated as second-class citizens, even though many of us were born and raised in Plateau,” he said.
He further alleged that Fulani victims were excluded from compensation and relief funds distributed to crisis-affected communities in the state.
Despite the challenges, Babayo reiterated his call for restraint and peaceful coexistence.
“We are law-abiding citizens. We want peace. We urge the government and security agencies to act fairly and ensure justice for all,” he added.
