No Herdsman Was Killed in Bassa – Irigwe Youths Reject MACBAN’s Allegations
The Irigwe Youth Movement (IYM) has dismissed claims by the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) that a herder was killed in Ancha Village, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The youth group described the allegation as false and misleading, insisting that no such incident occurred in the community.
Earlier on Friday, MACBAN, through its Plateau State Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, alleged that a herder identified as Muhammadu Alh. Rebo was attacked and killed in Ancha Village.
However, in a statement issued by the IYM Publicity Secretary, Joseph Yokpa, the group rejected the allegation, accusing MACBAN of spreading misinformation to justify potential attacks on communities in the area.
IYM Alleges Attempt to Justify Fresh Violence
According to the Irigwe Youth Movement, the claim is part of what it described as a recurring pattern used to create false narratives ahead of attacks on Plateau communities.
The group urged security agencies to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent any possible outbreak of violence.
IYM maintained that there was no attack on any herder anywhere in Irigwe land and insisted that the allegation was entirely fabricated.
Group Says Local Farmer Was the Actual Victim
Instead of a herder being killed, the youth movement alleged that a 60-year-old farmer, Bulus Turu, was murdered by suspected Fulani militias while returning from his farm in Ancha Village.
According to the statement, the incident involving Turu is the real tragedy that should receive public attention rather than what it described as an unfounded allegation against Irigwe youths.
The statement read in part:
“The attention of the Irigwe community has been drawn to a misleading statement released by MACBAN, alleging that Irigwe youths killed a young man. We categorically refute this falsehood and wish to set the record straight.”
The group further claimed that there had been no cattle grazing activities around Ancha Village in the past week, making the allegation of a herder’s killing implausible.
“There have been no cows within our village and its surroundings throughout the past week, let alone any grazing activities in Ancha Village and its environs.”
Irigwe Youths Defend Community’s Peaceful Reputation
The IYM also defended the reputation of Irigwe youths, describing them as peaceful and law-abiding citizens who do not resort to violence.
The group further claimed that security operatives were aware of the situation and had found no evidence to support MACBAN’s allegations.
