Lagos, Jan. 28, 2023 – The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the silence of the government on the ‘killing’ of over 40 pastoralists and butchers in Nasarawa State on Jan. 26. 2023.
According to a statement issued by the association on Saturday, the affected persons were killed by an air strike in Rukubi Village in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
MACBAN describe the silence of government as reprehensible and total lack of regards to the loss of lives of ordinary Nigerians who were victims of high handedness of Benue State Government;
The association alleged that the pastoralists were killed by officers of the Makurdi-based Operation Whirl Stroke who deployed an aircraft/drone that killed the pastoralists who went to Makurdi to retrieve 1250 livestock earlier impounded by the Benue State livestock guards after paying a fine of N29 million.
“If nothing else, we expect the President to commiserate with families of the victims for this heinous crime.
“MACBAN recalls that this is the third time in one year that the Air force, Makurdi, had been involved in shooting livestock in Nasarawa, Benue and Taraba states.
“The recent killings constitute war crime and a panel inquiry must be constituted to find out on whose authority the drone/aircraft was used and punish the culprits.
“MACBAN also hold the Benue State government liable in this incident because from all indications, the trucks carrying the livestock were closely monitored and waited until it reached its destination before unleashing the armed drone on pastoralists who were waiting to collect their livestock.
“These pastoralists are bona fide Nigerians and have right like every other citizen and therefore must be protected under the law,” the association said.(GBN)
