The Kaduna State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has accused some military personnel and local government officials of being involved in what it described as the “targeted killing and persecution” of Fulani herders in Southern Kaduna.
In a statement titled “A Betrayal of Justice” and signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Abdulhamid Musa Albarka, the association condemned the alleged continuous violence, injustice, and neglect suffered by Fulani communities in the region.
According to MACBAN, four herders — Suleiman Idris, Yusuf Abdullahi, Hamidu Dauda, and Ibrahim Hassan — were ambushed on September 28, 2025, by armed groups in Tanda Village, Jema’a Local Government Area, while trying to access a long-standing cattle route that had reportedly been blocked by local residents.
The group claimed the attack was deliberate and unprovoked, adding that the herders’ only offense was questioning the illegal closure of the route.
“Suleiman Idris was killed in cold blood, while Yusuf Abdullahi, Hamidu Dauda, and Ibrahim Hassan sustained serious and permanent injuries,” the statement read.
MACBAN added that the victims’ cattle — their main source of livelihood — were scattered during the attack. Albarka described the incident as a “calculated assault on innocent and unarmed citizens” aimed at destroying their community and means of survival.
The association further accused the Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Council, Hon. Peter Tanko Dogara, of obstructing police investigations and undermining efforts to arrest those responsible.
While commending the Divisional Police Officer in Kafanchan for attempting to pursue justice, MACBAN claimed that Dogara’s alleged interference amounted to an abuse of office.
“It is regrettable that the chairman neither visited the victims nor expressed sympathy to the affected families,” the statement noted, adding that his alleged bias undermined the peace and reconciliation efforts of Governor Uba Sani.
MACBAN also alleged negligence by some officers of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) — the military formation responsible for security in Southern Kaduna and parts of Plateau State. The group claimed the commanders ignored early warnings about rising tensions in Tanda and failed to deploy troops despite intelligence reports suggesting imminent attacks on Fulani settlements.
“Such failure enabled the killing of Suleiman Idris and the wounding of others. This is not just negligence but a betrayal of the constitutional duty to protect every citizen,” the association stated.
The group criticized the Defence Headquarters, questioning what it called the “persistent silence and lack of accountability” in addressing similar attacks.
“Leadership in national defence requires fairness and impartiality. The Defence Headquarters must dispel suspicions of sectional bias in Southern Kaduna,” Albarka added.
MACBAN’s Demands
The association called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani, and the National Security Council to initiate urgent investigations and security reforms.
To President Tinubu, MACBAN demanded the creation of a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the killings and the alleged involvement of some local officials and military personnel. It also urged a review of the OPSH command structure to ensure transparency and equitable treatment of all communities.
Furthermore, the group asked the President to discipline, redeploy, or retire any security officers whose actions or negligence had worsened violence in Southern Kaduna.
MACBAN also appealed to Governor Uba Sani to suspend Jema’a Council Chairman Peter Tanko Dogara pending the outcome of investigations.
“We call on the Governor to strengthen ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts to restore public confidence,” the statement said.
The association demanded increased security presence in vulnerable areas, disarmament of armed militias, and compensation for victims’ families.
“Governor Uba Sani’s peace initiative is being undermined by compromised officials and commanders whose silence fuels division. We remain committed to peace, but peace cannot exist without justice,” Albarka declared.
“If justice is denied, the fragile peace in Southern Kaduna may collapse beyond repair.”
