Miyetti Allah describe Plateau killings as retaliatory
Barely 24 hours after the violence in Plateau, Jos that claimed nearly 100 lives, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) have said the killings were “retaliatory”.
In a statement on Monday, Chairman of the North Central chapter of the Association, Danladi Ciroma said, “These attacks are retaliatory. As much as I don’t support the killing of human being, the truth must be told that those who carried out the attacks must be on revenge mission”.
According to him, Fulani herdsmen have lost about 300 cows to armed youths hence the likelihood to attack.
The victims who were attacked in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area were said to have been attending a funeral ceremony when terror was unleashed on them. Police say over 50 houses were burnt and six people injured.
Twitter users have reacted to the boldness exuded by members of the Miyetti Allah in claiming responsibility for the killings and even justifying their horrible actions:
I’d promised myself that I would not talk about Nigeria’s issues while I’m away, but the pix coming out of #Plateau are so distressing.
Since a Miyetti Allah representative has told us the motive behind the killings, WHEN are our security agencies going to do something?
— Chxta (@Chxta) June 25, 2018
Miyetti Allah proudly defends the killing of over 300 people and nothing will happen to the group. IPOB did NOT go about killing people and setting villages ablaze but the group was proscribed and labelled a terrorist group. Bloody double standards and demonic hypocrisy. https://t.co/KJNdfDHEpw
— Dr. Dipo Awojide (@OgbeniDipo) June 25, 2018
This is no longer a country. Murderers have now shown they own Nigeria and nothing will happen. Is the President Aware or still playing dead to this madness? Is this the Change promised?! 🤔 @YakubDogara @bukolasaraki #SecureNigeria https://t.co/6MY2hE8K6W
— SEGA L’éveilleur®🚨 (@segalink) June 25, 2018
I Anthony Ehilebo hereby makes this offer to Miyetti Allah.
I will personally pay for the 300 Cows that Caused this macabre genocide.
Can you also refund the 200 lives lost..
Fair deal???
1-million cows never be equal to 1 human life. even for Vegetarians..— AnthonyEhilebo (@AnthonyEhilebo) June 25, 2018
Over 100 people killed because 300 cows were allegedly rustled. If we don’t take care of this so-called Miyetti Allah, we will continue to bury citizens and act like nothing is happening.
— Ediong (@Ediong) June 25, 2018
President Buhari addresses the killings by making more empty threats and blaming politicians
In a statement by president spokesperson, Garba Shehu, President Muhammadu Buhari alleged that politicians are taking advantage of the rift between herdsmen and farmers in Plateau, hence the killings.
According to Shehu’s statement, information reaching the presidency claims that herdsmen had been killed and hundreds of cattle rustled, hence the counter attack. He said, “Some local thugs then took advantage of the situation, turning it into an opportunity to extort the public, and to attack people from rival political parties.”
This statement corroborates that of Danladi Ciroma, the Chairman of the North Central chapter of Miyetti Allah, who called the killings “retaliatory”.
In a Twitter post, however, President Buhari has announced that the perpetrators and sponsors of the crime will be brought to justice.
The grievous loss of lives & property arising from the killings in Plateau today is painful and regrettable. My deepest condolences to the affected communities. We will not rest until all murderers and criminal elements and their sponsors are incapacitated and brought to justice.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) June 24, 2018
Twitter user, @ogbenidipo has an interesting suggestion
Following the bloodshed in Plateau yesterday, this Twitter user is proposing that Nigerians use the opportunity of the World Cup to draw attention to the spate of killings in the country, since our government has become increasingly insensitive.
Read:
If you are in Russia for the World Cup, please hold up a banner during our next match against Argentina – “BUHARI STOP THE KILLINGS. Enough is enough.”
— Dr. Dipo Awojide (@OgbeniDipo) June 25, 2018
