Plateau State youths under the aegis of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, BYM, have dismissed claims made by the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, of cattle poisoning and shooting in Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, calling the allegations inconsistent with available intelligence reports.
According to a statement issued yesterday by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, intelligence as of January 9, 2026, indicated that armed Fulani terrorist elements allegedly met around Gashish District in Barkin Ladi LGA to plan attacks on the Kwi community and surrounding areas, including Wereng and parts of Heipang District.
The group raised alarm that MACBAN’s assertions arose shortly after these security alerts, saying that similar narratives had preceded violent attacks on local communities.
BYM also cited intelligence warnings of planned ambushes along the Sho-Jol axis, saying that the threat materialized on January 10 with the death of three-year-old Purity Gideon Samuel, a Nursery One student at Sho Ekan Primary School, who was ambushed along the Sho-Jol Road near the Sho woodland.
According to the group, armed groups suspected of being Fulani militants continue to dominate highways between Sho and Jol villages, endangering inhabitants and commuters.
The group also stated that on January 11, at approximately 11:03 p.m., armed jihadists allegedly invaded Nukur village of the Rahoss community in Riyom LGA, murdering two people.
BYM recounted prior cases in which MACBAN’s public pronouncements were claimed to contradict eyewitness testimonies following attacks, causing mistrust and heightened tensions in Plateau communities.
While calling for impartial investigations into all alleged crimes, including those involving livestock, the group urged security agencies to investigate both cattle-related allegations and recurring community attacks, act on available intelligence, and strengthen protection for vulnerable residents.
“Peace cannot thrive where propaganda eclipses truth and innocent lives continue to be lost,” the statement added.
