The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has voiced strong concern over the worsening Plateau violence, accusing some religious leaders of contributing to tensions that led to the recent deadly incident in the state.
The association said the continuous cycle of attacks threatens peaceful coexistence and weakens national unity.
The latest Plateau violence erupted in Angwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North Local Government Area, where gunmen carried out a coordinated assault on Sunday, March 29.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers stormed a popular relaxation spot, opening fire on unsuspecting residents before using machetes to inflict further harm.
At least 28 people were confirmed dead, while several others were left with varying degrees of injuries.
Reacting to the tragedy, MACBAN President, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, condemned the killings and described the incident as both painful and avoidable.
He stressed that Plateau violence has become a recurring issue that demands urgent and sincere intervention from all stakeholders, especially opinion leaders whose voices influence public perception.
According to him, the role of certain religious figures in escalating Plateau violence cannot be ignored.
He alleged that instead of promoting peace, unity, and tolerance, some individuals have chosen to spread messages capable of deepening divisions within already fragile communities.
Such rhetoric, he said, often creates an environment where suspicion, fear, and hostility thrive.
Othman-Ngelzarma explained that words carry significant weight, particularly in conflict-prone regions.
He warned that careless or inflammatory statements can easily trigger unrest, especially among groups already dealing with historical grievances.
He described such conduct as irresponsible and dangerous, noting that it directly fuels cycles of retaliation and mistrust.
He further called on religious, traditional, and community leaders to adopt a more responsible approach by promoting dialogue and understanding.
According to him, addressing Plateau violence requires deliberate efforts to build trust across ethnic and religious lines.
He emphasised that leaders must serve as agents of peace rather than contributors to division.
In addition to addressing leadership responsibility, the MACBAN president urged security agencies to step up their response.
He called for a professional and unbiased investigation into the Jos attack, stressing that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
He insisted that tackling Plateau violence effectively requires holding both perpetrators and those who incite them accountable.
He also advocated for the prosecution of individuals found guilty of making statements that incite violence, regardless of their social or religious standing.
According to him, failure to address incitement emboldens others to act recklessly, thereby sustaining the cycle of violence. Ending impunity, he added, is key to restoring order and confidence in the system.
Beyond prosecution, Othman-Ngelzarma highlighted the need for improved intelligence gathering.
He urged relevant authorities to identify not only the attackers but also those who may be financing or supporting such acts behind the scenes.
Strengthening intelligence networks, he said, will play a crucial role in preventing future attacks and dismantling criminal structures.
He further recommended an increased security presence in vulnerable communities across Plateau State.
By deploying more personnel and improving surveillance, he believes authorities can deter potential attackers and respond more swiftly to threats.
This, he noted, is essential in curbing the spread of violence and restoring a sense of safety among residents.
Reaffirming MACBAN’s position, the president stated that the sanctity of human life must remain non-negotiable.
He emphasised that no grievance or disagreement should ever justify the taking of lives.
He added that the association remains committed to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and national unity.
He also expressed readiness to collaborate with government bodies, civil society organisations, and religious institutions to find lasting solutions.
According to him, resolving the crisis requires collective action and sustained commitment from all sectors of society.
Concluding his remarks, Othman-Ngelzarma called for urgent and decisive steps to halt further bloodshed.
He warned that continued inaction could worsen the situation and deepen divisions.
For him, addressing Plateau violence is not just a security matter but a moral obligation that demands immediate attention and long-term commitment.
Ireport247news
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