MANGU, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has accused youths suspected to be from the Mwaghavul ethnic group of rustling over 300 cattle and poisoning 36 others in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Musa Muhammad, Secretary of MACBAN in Mangu, said the attack occurred in the Jouckchal community of Panyam district, while the poisoning took place near the INEC office in Mangu town.
“The cattle, over 300, belong to three individuals: Jeji Boro lost 130, Shagari Manu lost 70, and Tambaya Jouckchal lost 103,” Muhammad said.
He added that the alleged attackers arrived in large numbers, shooting sporadically, forcing herders to flee and abandon their livestock.
According to Muhammad, the incident follows a similar case on April 9, when 60 cattle were stolen in Murish community, also in Mangu LGA. The herder responsible for the cows is still missing, he noted.
MACBAN has appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts in recovering the stolen cattle and address what it described as a series of targeted attacks against its members.
“We have reported the matter to the appropriate authorities, including the Chairman of Mangu LGA,” Muhammad said. “Troops under Sector 8 of Operation Safe Haven were deployed Tuesday night and have only recovered five cattle so far.”
However, Bulus Dabit, National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), denied the involvement of Mwaghavul youths.
“I am just hearing about the incident,” Dabit said. “There are cattle rustlers everywhere. Criminals are found within every tribe, including the Fulani. We have already warned our youth against any criminality.”
As of press time, Major Samson Zhakom, spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, had yet to respond to inquiries.
MACBAN reiterated its call for peaceful coexistence and urged the authorities to act swiftly to prevent further escalation.
