Miyetti Allah Petitions Over Cattle Poisoning in Barkin Ladi

PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA — The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has formally petitioned Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Department of State Services, and the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace over repeated cases of cattle poisoning and killing in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

The petition, dated April 23, 2026, and signed by the association’s state chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, was made available to journalists in Jos on Friday.

Babayo explained that the move became necessary because of the growing threat to herders’ means of survival in the affected communities.

In the document titled “Urgent Complaint on Repeated Killing of Cattle,” the group highlighted incidents that took place between April 18 and 23, 2026, across several communities in Barkin Ladi LGA.

According to the petition, 10 cows were poisoned in Rakung Village on April 18, while one cow was killed in the same village two days later. Nine more cattle were reportedly poisoned behind the Lokojora area on April 22, with additional cases recorded along the Nding axis on April 22 and 23.

The association noted that these events within such a short timeframe point to a deliberate and disturbing pattern that could undermine peace initiatives in the state.

The herders’ group expressed worry over the economic losses suffered by its members, warning that continued attacks on livestock could affect food security and relations between farming and herding communities in Plateau State.

Babayo said, to the best of the association’s knowledge, no arrests have been made in connection with any of the incidents.

He appealed to security agencies to launch a thorough investigation, bring perpetrators to justice, and take steps to prevent future occurrences. The group also urged the state government to provide support for the affected herders.

While calling for calm, the association advised its members to remain law-abiding, stressing that any escalation could harm ongoing efforts to sustain peace in the region.

The Miyetti Allah chapter had in the past pointed fingers at some individuals from the Berom community, but the National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Solomon Dalyop, has repeatedly denied any involvement by his members.

NaijaChoice News gathered that tensions between herders and farmers remain a sensitive issue in parts of Plateau, where livestock rearing forms a key part of many families’ economy.

The petition underscores the urgent need for swift security action and dialogue to protect livelihoods and prevent further breakdown of trust in Barkin Ladi and surrounding areas.