Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has called on the state government and security agencies to hold the Berom Youth-Moulders Association (BYM), the Berom Diaspora Coalition, BDC, and other related groups responsible for any future violence or attacks in local communities especially in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas.
The BDC had, during a press conference on Wednesday, called on the government to declare the Mahanga community in Riyom LGA a terrorist enclave, describing the settlement as a major stronghold for armed Fulani bandits and terrorists where they come out from to attack villages and retreat to at the end of each attack.
But while reacting to the allegations in a counter statement, the Fulani body said the accusations were baseless and unfounded as no Plateau community is currently being occupied by herders.
The MACBAN statement, signed by its state Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, said it rejects the claims by the BDC, describing them as not only baseless but also “provocative, and capable of further escalating tensions in Plateau State.”
Tagged “Rejection of baseless allegations and call for responsible public discourse,” the association said:
“The attention of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State Chapter, has been drawn to a series of unfounded and misleading allegations by the so-called Berom groups in diaspora and the Berom Youth Movement (BYM), calling for the declaration of the Mahanga community in Riyom Local Government Area as an enclave of terrorism.
“We categorically reject these claims as baseless, provocative, and capable of further escalating tensions in Plateau State.
“For the record, the Mahanga community has remained peaceful and law-abiding, with no history or evidence of harboring criminal elements or engaging in activities that threaten national security.
“At no time have security agencies discovered any incriminating materials or terrorist infrastructure within Mahanga.
“It is therefore both unjust and misleading to single out Mahanga for such a serious designation. If the intent is truly to promote justice and security, then allegations must be guided by facts and verified intelligence, not sentiments or ethnic bias.
“It is on record that security operations in other areas, including parts of Vom District in Jos South LGA and Fan District in Barkin Ladi LGA, have led to the discovery of illegal arms and weapons manufacturing activities. These realities should inform any objective security assessment.
“We are deeply concerned that certain groups, particularly those claiming to represent Berom interests in the diaspora, are engaging in rhetoric that promotes division rather than unity. At a time when Plateau State needs healing and reconciliation, such statements only serve to inflame passions and undermine peace-building efforts.
“We, therefore, call on the Plateau State Government and the Federal Government to closely monitor the activities and public statements of these groups, including the BYM and related organizations, and to hold them accountable for any actions or utterances that may incite conflict or disrupt public peace.
“We urge all citizens of Plateau State to disregard these false and misleading claims and to remain committed to peaceful coexistence. Dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to the rule of law remain the only sustainable path to lasting peace in our dear state.”
