‘Your allegations misleading, baseless’ – MACBAN refutes BYM accusation of shielding attack suspect

Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has reacted to allegations by the Berom Youth-Moulders Association, BYM, that it had uncovered a plot by the Fulani organization to shield a suspect who was arrested during an attack.

The BYM in a statement on Thursday by its National President, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, had alleged that it had discovered a plan by MACBAN to shield the suspect by obtaining a forged medical report that would claim the suspect is mentally unstable.

In the statement, Mwantiri said the BYM had received credible intelligence from a very reliable source indicating that MACBAN had allegedly perfected the plan and was making desperate efforts to procure a forged medical certificate claiming that the suspect arrested in connection with the attack was mentally retarded and his confessions to security personnel should not be relied on.

But in a counter statement on Friday, the Fulani umbrella body refuted the allegations, saying they were not only misleading but baseless and a “deliberate attempt to incite tension and misinform the public.”

In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, MACBAN expressed surprise at the allegations from the BYM and questioned how they could have been made, given the organization’s reputation for promoting peace and stability.

“The attention of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State chapter, has been drawn to the recent allegations circulated by the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) concerning an alleged plan to shield a suspect linked to the unfortunate incident in Heipang.

“We wish to categorically state that these allegations are baseless, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to incite tension and misinform the public. MACBAN remains a law-abiding organization committed to peace, justice, and the rule of law in Plateau State and beyond.

“At no time has MACBAN engaged in, nor does it support, any act aimed at obstructing justice or shielding individuals involved in criminal activities. We strongly believe that anyone found culpable in any act of violence or criminality should face the full weight of the law, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or organizational affiliation.

“It is important to emphasize that Plateau State has suffered greatly from cycles of misinformation and mutual suspicion. Statements such as those issued by BYM only serve to heighten tensions and undermine ongoing peacebuilding efforts among communities.

“We therefore call on the Berom Youth Moulders Association to refrain from spreading unverified claims and instead collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in promoting dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and unity in Plateau State.

“MACBAN reiterates its commitment to working with security agencies, government authorities, and community leaders to ensure lasting peace and stability.

“We urge the general public to disregard these unfounded allegations and remain calm, as security agencies are fully capable of handling any investigations professionally. Together, we must prioritize peace over provocation and truth over speculation,” the statement reads.