The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) at the weekend alleged that 456 cattle belonging to two of its members were rustled by youths into Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

MACBAN President for North-central, Alhaji Danladi Chiroma, told journalists in Jos that the rustlers had crossed over into Ibbi Local Government Area of Taraba State to rustle the cattle and in the process killed one of the herders.

Chiroma said after concerted efforts by security agents from Taraba and Operation Safe Haven (OSH) in Plateau, the Langtang South youths have returned 24 cattle out of the 456, a development he described as unacceptable.

He said: “Returning 24 cattle when you have stolen 456 is unacceptable and we will not let this go. The Ponzhi Tarok, Domkat Bali and the senator representing Plateau South, Gen. Jerimiah Useni cannot pretend not to know what is happening, they must take responsibility for the actions of their people and ensure that those cattle are returned.

“For over 10 years now, no Fulani man is allowed into their communities so why should they now cross over to our communities to steal our cattle?”

Operation Safe Haven Media and Information Officer, Captain Ikedichi Iweha, yesterday confirmed the rustling of cattle into Langtang south but said security agents had received conflicting figures from the owners and that the report had reached them late.
Iweha said: “Despite the fact that we got the information late, we were able to recover 24 of the cattle and we are working with youth leaders and the Chairman of the area to recover more of the cattle. Our search is yielding much results but we want to appeal to the owners to remain calm and we urge the community these cattle were rustled into not to shield criminals in order to avoid unpleasant repercussions.”

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MACBAN Alleges that 456 Cattle were at the weekend Rustled into Langtang South