Again, 81 Fulani’s cows killed, others rustled in Plateau

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN)’s cows have again been attacked in Plateau State.

Cow is a major economic base for Fulani people of Nigeria and attack on the base is believed to be attempt at plunging a whole ethnic community into living crisis.

MACBAM Chairman, Malam Nura  Abdullahi, said 81 cows were killed, 32 others rustled and 48 injured totally 161 cows affected.

He said in a statement made available to newsmen, according to Blueprint Newspaper, that MACBAN had officially informed the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Isaac Akinmoyede, as well as the OPSH.

“We have reported the incident to the OPSH sector 6.  I personally reported to the Commissioner of Police who advised that I take the matter to the DPO for documentation which has been done. The area commander and the DPO have visited the scene and seen the evidence for them,” he said.

Abdullahi said the 48 cows that were injured in the attack had to be slaughtered to prevent further loss, adding that the Police had called for a peace meeting between the Irigwe community and the Fulani.

Similarly, the Jonde Jam Fulani Youth Association of Nigeria, at the weekend described the attackers as “Irigwe militants carrying sophisticated weapons.”

Because phone calls and WattsApp messages to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tyopev Terna according to the media report, were not picked at the time of compiling this report, The DEFENDER called the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Isaac Akinmoyede, directly but calls also not picked.

However, military authorities confirmed the killings and theft of 113 herds of cows by unknown armed persons at Kwal, in Bassa local government area of Plateau state, according to the report.

The Media and Information Officer of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major Adam Umar, who confirmed the killing of the cows, said the incident occurred around the dam opposite the College of Accountancy in Kwal when the cows were grazing.

Major Umar however said he cannot give the actual figures of cows killed and those rustled, but assured that the Task force was doing everything possible to trail the assailants.