‘Our people are being murdered’ – MACBAN cries out over Niger, Kebbi attacks

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has issued a desperate plea for urgent government intervention in Niger and Kebbi states, alleging a growing humanitarian crisis and violent attacks against Fulani pastoralists. According to the association, more than 10,000 pastoralists have fled their homes, seeking refuge in Kaoje, Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State, while over 5,000 cattle remain unaccounted for, having been left to roam or killed.

This displacement has led to severe damage to farmlands stretching from Agwara, Bargu, and Kainji towards the Benin Republic border. MACBAN claims that the attacks were carried out by hunters, local tribal militias, vigilante members, and possibly even individuals from neighboring Benin Republic. The association alleges that stolen cattle have been transported to southern and eastern Nigeria for sale, with its Lagos branch reportedly holding some of these stolen animals.

MACBAN also warns that stolen cattle meat is being smuggled from forests and illegal abattoirs into Kaduna metropolis, urging authorities to investigate this alleged cattle-rustling network. The association demands immediate security measures to put an end to the alleged killings and protect affected pastoralist communities, while also requesting emergency aid for displaced individuals, particularly those in Kaoje and Yauri.

The association stresses that those responsible for the attacks and cattle theft must be identified and held accountable, regardless of their affiliations. These allegations arise amidst ongoing security issues and communal tensions affecting both farming and pastoralist communities in the North-West and North-Central regions of Nigeria. MACBAN warns, "Our people are being murdered" over the attacks in Niger and Kebbi.