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| Cattle herders walk with cows amid safety concerns in Nigeria. |
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Group asked President Tinubu to order security forces to protect cow herder areas. The plea came as recent attacks left scores dead and thousands displaced.
MACBAN is a group for cow herders in Nigeria. It formed in Kaduna in 1979 to speak for nomadic herders. Today it represents about 100,000 semi‑nomads across the country.
A deadly raid on Zike in Plateau state left at least 40 people dead last week. Gunmen shot residents, looted homes and burned roofs. President Tinubu condemned the raid and vowed to find the killers.
Two days later, Reuters reported at least 51 more people killed by gunmen in another early‑morning attack in Plateau state. Witnesses said bodies lay on village roads at dawn.
The national emergency agency says 52 people died and over 2,000 fled their homes in early April unrest. Displaced families now seek shelter in makeshift camps across the region.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau moved quickly after the attacks. He banned night grazing, halted cattle transport by road after sunset, and barred motorcycles from rural routes until further notice.
Meanwhile, herders around Bassa saw 36 cows slaughtered and 42 poisoned in fresh violence. Farmers blame herders, while herders deny the charge. Both sides now fear for their safety.
Between December 2023 and February 2024, more than 1,300 people lost their lives in Plateau conflicts over land and water. This toll shows past measures have failed to stop the bloodshed.
MACBAN warned that more attacks will come unless security forces get clear orders. They want fast patrols on grazing routes and safe lanes for herders. The group said every citizen deserves equal protection.
A security expert said firm plans for grazing corridors and local peace talks can ease clashes. He pressed the federal and state governments to work with community leaders on a lasting deal.
Both herders and farmers must join talks on land use and safety. Readers can share ideas on fair land sharing and secure paths for herders and farmers.