{
  "id": 6616552,
  "title": "Community counters MACBAN cattle rustling allegations in Taraba",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/community-counters-macban-cattle-rustling-allegations-in-taraba",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T17:09:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/10/community-counters-macban-cattle-rustling-allegations-in-taraba/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Bandawa Community in Taraba State has refuted allegations from the Northern Zone leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) regarding cattle rustling in the Bandawa area. In a statement signed by the community's National Youth President, Ishaya Peter Bandawa, on Thursday, the community affirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence but expressed frustration with what it deemed an unfair portrayal of events. The statement was a response to a MACBAN publication on September 6, 2026, alleging cattle rustling incidents in the region. Bandawa claimed that the first incident MACBAN cited was incomplete, stating that a Bandawa youth, returning from fishing, was confronted by Fulani men who suspected him of stealing cattle. The youth was beaten, suffered injuries including a head injury and a broken hand, but was rescued by his brother. A Fulani elder, Alhaji Bauna, reported the incident to the Karim-Lamido Divisional Police Station, and both parties were released on bail, according to the community. Bandawa stated that the matter was under police investigation and expressed readiness to accept the authorities' conclusion. The community also highlighted concerns over alleged farm destruction by cattle, with several farmers reporting crop damage during the farming season. They referred to an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Garkuwan Karim-Lamido and herders, which aimed to prevent disagreements. The MOU required Fulani herders to avoid designated farming and settlement areas during a specific farming period, typically from July to November. The community questioned whether the agreement was being upheld, stating that complaints of cattle entering and destroying farms continued despite the MOU. The community alleged that the farmers had reported these grievances through legal channels, including visits to police and military authorities, as well as the Palace of the Garkuwan Karim-Lamido. They emphasized that they did not support cattle rustling or any criminal activities. The community implored MACBAN and other stakeholders to refrain from turning ongoing investigations into public trials and to conduct impartial investigations into the allegations from both farmers and herders. They also called on local government council, traditional and community leaders, security agencies, MACBAN, Ardos, and other stakeholders to respect the existing MOU and prevent further tensions.",
  "summary": "The Bandawa Community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Council of Taraba State has countered allegations by the Northern Zone leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) concerning alleged cattle rustling around the Bandawa axis. In a statement signed by its National Youth President, Ishaya Peter Bandawa, on Thursday, the community said it […] Community…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}