The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised alarm over what it described as repeated killing and poisoning of cattle in parts of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.
The group has now formally petitioned Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, calling for urgent investigation and action to stop the incidents.
In a petition dated April 23, 2026, MACBAN said the attacks on cattle have become frequent and are affecting the livelihood of herders in the area. The document was signed by the state chairman of the association, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, and made available to journalists in Jos on Friday.
The petition, titled “Urgent Complaint on Repeated Killing of Cattle,” listed a series of incidents that reportedly occurred within a short period in April 2026. According to the group, the cases happened on April 18, 20, 22, and 23 in different communities within Barkin Ladi LGA.
The association claimed that on April 18, about 10 cows were poisoned in Rakung Village. It added that another cow was killed in the same village two days later, on April 20.
It further alleged that on April 22, nine cattle were poisoned behind the Lokojora area. The group also said there were additional cases along the Nding axis on April 22 and 23, suggesting what it described as a pattern of repeated attacks.
MACBAN said these incidents are not only causing heavy financial losses to herders but are also creating fear and tension in affected communities. Livestock farming is a major source of income for many families in northern Nigeria, especially among pastoral communities who depend on cattle for survival.
The association warned that if the situation continues unchecked, it could worsen relations between herders and farming communities in the area. Barkin Ladi has, in the past, experienced communal tensions linked to land use, grazing, and resource disputes.
In the petition, MACBAN said it was concerned that no arrests had been made so far, despite the repeated incidents. The group called on security agencies to carry out a full investigation to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
“We are calling on the authorities to act quickly to stop further killings of cattle and to ensure that those behind these acts are arrested and prosecuted,” the petition stated in summary.
The association also appealed to the government to consider providing support to affected herders who have reportedly suffered losses due to the incidents. According to MACBAN, many families have been pushed into economic difficulty as a result of the alleged cattle poisoning and killings.
At the same time, the group urged its members to remain calm and avoid actions that could increase tension in the area. It stressed the importance of peace and warned against any form of retaliation.
Security agencies, including the DSS and military task forces operating in Plateau State, have often been involved in managing conflict situations in the region. Operation Enduring Peace is a joint security operation set up to respond to violence and maintain stability in Plateau and surrounding areas.
MACBAN has, in the past, raised similar concerns in Plateau and other states, often linking cattle deaths or attacks to conflicts over grazing land and community relations. However, such claims are usually disputed by other local groups.
In this latest petition, MACBAN reportedly suggested that some individuals from the Berom community may be involved in the incidents. However, this claim has been firmly denied in previous reactions by community representatives.
The National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Solomon Dalyop, has repeatedly rejected such allegations in earlier disputes, stating that members of his group are not involved in cattle killings or poisoning. He has also called for careful investigation to avoid blaming innocent people and to prevent further escalation of tensions.
Plateau State has a long history of communal clashes involving farmers and herders, often linked to competition over land, water, and grazing routes. These conflicts have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of families in different parts of the state over the years.
Efforts by government and security agencies to restore peace have included peace talks, security operations, and community engagement programmes. However, occasional incidents continue to raise concerns about lasting stability in some areas.
As of the time of filing this report, the state government and security agencies had yet to issue an official response to the latest petition by MACBAN.
Residents of Barkin Ladi and neighbouring communities are now watching closely, hoping that the allegations will be thoroughly investigated and that steps will be taken to prevent further incidents and maintain peace in the area.