The Plateau State Chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has strongly condemned the murder of Chief Superintendent of Police David Babale, the deputy commander of the Operation Rainbow security outfit. Babale was killed on Tuesday by gunmen in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, an incident that has intensified calls for a more robust response to the ongoing insecurity in the region.
In a statement released on Thursday, State Chairman Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo described the killing of the senior police officer and other innocent citizens as a clear indication that the wave of violent attacks in Plateau State can no longer be treated with kid gloves. The organization extended its condolences to the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the families of the deceased, while also praying for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries.
MACBAN reiterates that the continuous cycle of violence and loss of innocent lives in Plateau State is unacceptable and must come to an end. No community benefits from bloodshed, and lasting peace can only be achieved through justice, dialogue, and respect for the rule of law.
While calling on the government and relevant security agencies to step up their efforts to end the cycle of violence, MACBAN issued a stern warning against the practice of attributing such attacks to the Fulani community without verified evidence. The group noted that no credible security agency has officially confirmed the ethnicity of the perpetrators, and that premature accusations are irresponsible and capable of inflaming tensions.
The association emphasized that criminals should be treated as individuals regardless of their ethnic or religious background, urging that no community be condemned without credible evidence. MACBAN warned individuals and groups against spreading unverified allegations that collectively blame the Fulani for every security incident, arguing that such inflammatory statements undermine the efforts of security agencies to identify and prosecute the real perpetrators.
The organization called for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice in accordance with the law. MACBAN stated it remains committed to supporting genuine efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and promoting peaceful coexistence, urging all parties to reject hate, misinformation, and collective blame.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
