No herder was killed in Bassa – Irigwe youths counter MACBAN claims
Irigwe Youth Movement Denies Allegations of Violence Following Report of Herdsman’s Death
The Irigwe Youth Movement (IYM) has responded to claims made by the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), which alleged that a herdsman named Muhammadu Alh. Rebo was killed in Ancha Village, located in Bassa Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Friday, MACBAN’s chairman, Alh. Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, accused local youths of the attack and subsequent killing of Rebo.
IYM’s Publicity Secretary, Joseph Yokpa, issued a counter-statement refuting these allegations. The youth movement characterized the claims as falsehoods intended to justify potential violence against local communities. They accused MACBAN of employing similar tactics in the past to rationalize attacks.
The IYM asserted that no violent incidents occurred in Irigwe territory, instead stating that a 60-year-old man named Bulus Turu was murdered by Fulani militia in Ancha Village.
“The Irigwe community is responding to a misleading statement released by MACBAN,” the IYM statement said. “We categorically refute this falsehood and wish to set the record straight. For clarity, there have been no cows in our village or its surroundings over the past week.”
The youth movement described the narrative as a diversion intended to generate sympathy while obscuring the violent acts committed by militia members. They emphasized that Turu was killed on his way home from farming.
IYM representatives highlighted the peaceful nature of the Irigwe youth, asserting that they have never taken the law into their own hands. They noted that security operatives have corroborated their assertion that MACBAN’s claims are without basis.
The IYM urged the public and stakeholders to disregard MACBAN’s statements and reiterated their commitment to peace and the protection of lives and property in Plateau State.
