Berom Youths Not Responsible for Killing 13-Year-Old Herder – BYM Counters MACBAN Allegations

By David Joshua | Sele Media Africa | October 9, 2025

The Berom Youths Moulders Association (BYM) has strongly denied claims made by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) that Berom youths were responsible for the recent killing of a 13-year-old herder and the slaughter of dozens of cattle in Plateau State.

Barr. Solomon Dalyop, National President of BYM, in a statement issued Wednesday night, described the allegations made by Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, MACBAN’s Plateau State Chairman, as “baseless, unproven, and provocative.”

Babayo had earlier alleged that youths from the Inzon community of Fan district in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area ambushed three herders on Tuesday, resulting in the death of young Abubakar Wada, injuries to two others, and the killing of 36 cattle, with 49 more still missing.

“The attack was carried out by Berom people from Fan district,” Babayo claimed. “It was unprovoked, and the cattle were grazing peacefully.”

In response, Barr. Dalyop challenged MACBAN’s narrative, insisting that no evidence links Berom youths to the attack. He accused Babayo of jumping to conclusions before security agencies could conduct a credible investigation.

“The Berom people are peaceful and accommodating,” Dalyop stated. “It’s unfortunate that such serious allegations are made without evidence, especially when the facts on the ground suggest otherwise.”

He further revealed that, contrary to MACBAN’s version, suspected Fulani militias had launched simultaneous attacks in the same district on Monday, October 6, resulting in the death of Mr. Timothy Ishaku Chollom and injuries to others.

BYM believes the accusations are part of a broader tactic to justify planned aggression against Berom communities.

“This is a familiar pattern,” Dalyop warned. “Whenever such allegations surface without investigation, it often precedes further violence.”

He urged security agencies to conduct thorough investigations before conclusions are drawn, while calling on stakeholders to prioritize peace and truth over incitement.

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