The Kaduna State chapter of the Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has called for an investigation into the killing of four Fulani pastoralists in the Tanda community, Jema’a Local Government Area. According to the association’s chairman, Abdulhamid Musa-Albarka, the four herders – Suleiman Idris, Yusuf Abdullahi, Hamidu Dauda, and Ibrahim Hassan – were ambushed by armed militias on September 28 while attempting to access a blocked cattle route.
The incident resulted in the death of Suleiman Idris, while the other three sustained severe injuries. The association described the attack as a “deliberate, premeditated assault” on innocent citizens. The victims’ cattle were also scattered, leaving their families without a means of sustenance.
The MACBAN chairman accused some military personnel and the chairman of Jema’a Local Government Council, Peter Tanko-Dogara, of complicity in the killings. He alleged that Mr. Dogara interfered with police investigations, frustrating efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. Despite attempts by the divisional police officer in Kafanchan to arrest suspects, Mr. Albarka claimed that Mr. Dogara’s interference compromised the process.
The association also accused some operatives of the Operation Safe Haven of negligence and dereliction of duty, citing their failure to deploy troops despite intelligence reports of possible attacks on Fulani settlements. The group appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Council to ensure that security operations are not influenced by ethnic or personal affiliations.
Furthermore, the MACBAN chairman urged Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to sanction the council over alleged bias and interference in the police investigation. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Fulani herders in Southern Kaduna and the need for impartial security operations. The association’s call for an investigation highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of violence and ensuring justice for all citizens, regardless of their ethnic background.