Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), under the leadership of Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri has noted with concern the press statement issued by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State Chapter, alleging that “suspected Berom militias” killed eight cows in Yarwei Village of Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.First, BYM firmly rejects MACBAN’s reference to “suspected Berom militias.” The Berom Nation does not have any militia. If the Berom people had an organized militia as is often alleged by the fulanis, our communities would not have continued to suffer repeated attacks, killings, displacement and destruction of property over the years. BYM wishes to state unequivocally that the allegation is premature, speculative and unsupported by any credible investigation. It is regrettable that MACBAN has once again rushed to assign blame to the Berom people without allowing security agencies to establish the facts. Such reckless accusations have, in the past, heightened tensions and preceded violent attacks on innocent indigenous communities.
The Association recalls that the location mentioned by MACBAN is among areas where security agencies have directed that grazing activities should not take place because they serve as buffer zones. This raises serious questions as to why cattle were taken into the prohibited area in the first place. Security agencies must investigate who violated this directive and determine the actual circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
BYM is deeply concerned that this allegation may be part of a familiar pattern in which unverified claims are used to create a pretext for retaliatory attacks against peaceful communities. We therefore call on all security agencies to treat this development as an early warning signal and take proactive measures to prevent any violence against innocent people in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring communities.
It is also important to recall that large expanses of land grabbed by the fulanis from the natives remain under their control following years of attacks, killings and displacement of indigenous inhabitants. Despite the availability of such grazing spaces, some herders continue to move cattle dangerously close to residential communities, contrary to security advice and to the anxiety of local residents. While the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of movement, that right is not absolute and cannot be exercised in a manner that endangers the lives, safety and security of others.Furthermore, Nigerians will recall that only recently, similar allegations were made against operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) deployed to Barkin Ladi. Those claims were never substantiated. Since the deployment of the DSS, the area has witnessed relative peace. It is therefore unfortunate that another allegation has surfaced which appears capable of undermining the gains recorded by the security agencies.
BYM calls on the Plateau State Government and all security agencies to carry out a professional, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident. Those responsible, whoever they may be, should be brought to justice based on credible evidence and not on ethnic profiling or unsubstantiated accusations.
Finally, we urge the Berom people and all law-abiding residents to remain peaceful, vigilant and continue to cooperate with security agencies. We equally call on security personnel to strengthen surveillance around vulnerable communities to prevent any attempt by criminal elements to exploit this allegation as a justification for renewed attacks.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association remains committed to justice, peaceful coexistence and the protection of innocent lives. We shall continue to support every lawful effort aimed at securing lasting peace in Plateau State.
Signed:
Rwang Tengwong
National Publicity SecretaryBerom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM)
