‘No Plateau community is occupied by Fulani people’ – MACBAN

Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has reacted to allegations raised by a social critic and advocate, Emmanuel Jelan, that about 16 communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state have been forcefully taken over and occupied by Fulani terrorists 

Jelan, who raised the alarm in an open letter to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, stated that despite denials by the government and Fulani groups claiming there are no communities that terrorists are occupying, available records show that about 16 rural communities have been annexed either completely or partially by terrorists.

He went on to list the affected communities, noting that in most of the villages, the villagers no longer have access to their houses and farmlands for fear of their lives. Schools, hospitals, and worship places have all been shut down.

However, while responding to the allegations, MACBAN, in a statement on Thursday, signed by its Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, refuted the claims, insisting that no part of Plateau State is being occupied by the Fulani people.

In the statement titled “Re: Response to recent allegations against the Fulani community in Barkin Ladi LGA”, the herders’ body said the allegations were not only unsubstantiated but misleading and unsupported by verifiable facts

“The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State Chapter, has taken note of the recent press conference in which certain individuals made allegations against the Fulani community in Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State,” the statement said.

Continuing, it added:

“We wish to state that these allegations are unsubstantiated, misleading, and unsupported by verifiable facts. Public statements on sensitive security matters should be made with caution and responsibility, as they have the potential to heighten tensions and undermine ongoing peacebuilding efforts.

“We categorically reject the claim that the Fulani community in Plateau State has grabbed or unlawfully occupied anyone’s land. Such sweeping allegations do not reflect the reality of the long-standing presence and lawful activities of pastoral communities across the state.

“The timing and nature of the recent allegations have also raised concerns within our community, particularly in light of the challenges currently facing Fulani communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. 

“We are concerned that such public statements, if not based on credible evidence, may contribute to misunderstanding and deepen divisions. We therefore call on all stakeholders to avoid actions or narratives that could further inflame an already sensitive situation.

“MACBAN remains committed to peaceful coexistence, respect for the rule of law, and constructive engagement with government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and all communities in Plateau State. 

“We encourage anyone with credible evidence of wrongdoing by any individual to present such evidence to the appropriate law enforcement authorities rather than making generalized accusations against an entire ethnic community.

“We reaffirm our commitment to dialogue, justice, and lasting peace, and we urge all parties to embrace responsible communication and mutual respect in the interest of unity and stability in Plateau State.”