Gunmen kill MACBAN youth leader in Plateau

A youth leader of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Yakubu Muhammad, has been reportedly killed.

It was learnt that the youth leader was shot dead by gunmen in the Jebu area of Bassa, around 7:40 pm on Thursday, while he was sitting at a tea selling point in the area.

The MACBAN chairman of Bassa LGA, Ya’u Idris while confirming the incident, described the killing of the youth leader as unfortunate, lamenting that “the killing of Yakubu is deliberate.”

“But are law-abiding citizens. The incident has been reported to security agencies including Operation Safe Haven maintaining peace in the area. We are calling on all our members to remain calm,” he added.

The state chairman of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN), Garba Abdullahi, condemned the incident, calling on security agencies to investigate the perpetrators of the act.

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He said, “This man was killed innocently without any provocation. However, we call on the Fulani community to remain calm and never take the law into their own hands. We urge security agencies to investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

While sympathizing with the family of the deceased during the burial, the Chief of Staff of Operation Safe Haven, Brigadier General M. O. Agi, condemned the act, adding, “it is not only the family of the deceased who have lost. Everyone is affected by the incident.”

“I had worked with him on the peace committee. He was hardworking and of good character. We assure you that we will investigate the matter and ensure justice for the deceased,” he said.

Prior to his death, the youth leader was a member of 57-man peace implementation committee established by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 division of Nigerian army, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.

The committee was formed by the GOC following eruption of the crisis between farmers and herders in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South and Bassa LGAs.

The deceased was also a member of the 17- man peace implementation in Bassa, formed by the GOC to address crisis herding and farming communities in Bassa general area.