MACBAN Denies Land Grabbing Allegations in Plateau, Urges Victims to Use Legal Channels

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, in Plateau State has dismissed claims that Fulani herders are taking over community lands, saying such allegations are false and worsening tensions in the state.

Speaking during an interactive session with selected journalists in Jos on Saturday, the state chairman of the association, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, said Fulani residents in Plateau are being blamed for nearly every violent incident without proper investigation. He said the accusation of organised land seizure by Fulani groups does not reflect the reality on the ground.

Babayo said, “It is totally not true. What they have been saying, that Fulani or Miyetti Allah have grabbed land, is false. There is no land grabbing.” He maintained that if any person believes a property has been taken over, the matter should be reported formally to security agencies and pursued through legal institutions.

According to him, the police, military, Department of State Services and the courts are available to determine ownership disputes and enforce lawful remedies. He said no individual or group should rely on public accusations instead of using official channels.

Babayo also argued that many Fulani families in rural Plateau have lived in their communities for generations and should not be treated as outsiders who arrived recently to take territory. He said inflammatory statements against herders are contributing to mistrust and could deepen the conflict climate in the state.

“The security agencies are in the right position to investigate and verify if there has been any case of land grabbing. Let them investigate and identify the rightful owner. I insist that no Fulani person or group has ever grabbed lands in Plateau State. Since the time of our forefathers, the Fulani have not grabbed land from anybody,” he said.

He added that communities with grievances should document their claims and file reports rather than circulate general allegations. Babayo said resolving disputes through lawful processes is necessary if Plateau is to reduce recurring violence and build confidence among residents.

The comments come amid persistent security concerns in several parts of Plateau, where community leaders, civil society groups and government officials have repeatedly called for restraint, fact-based reporting and stronger peace-building efforts to prevent fresh violence.