Gunmen have killed Yakubu Muhammad, a youth leader of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to reports, Yakubu Muhammad was shot dead around 7:40 pm on Thursday, July 18, 2024, while he was sitting at a tea selling point in the Jebu area of Bassa.
MACBAN chairman of Bassa LGA, Ya’u Idris, confirmed the incident, describing it as unfortunate. He lamented: “The killing of Yakubu is deliberate. But we are law-abiding citizens. The incident has been reported to security agencies including Operation Safe Haven maintaining peace in the area. We are calling on all our members to remain calm.”
Garba Abdullahi, the state chairman of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN), condemned the incident, urging security agencies to investigate. He stated: “The man was killed innocently without any provocation. However, we call on the Fulani community to remain calm and never take the law into their hands. We urge security agencies to investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
During the burial, Brigadier General M. O. Agi, Chief of Staff of Operation Safe Haven, expressed his condolences and condemned the act. He said: “It is not only the family of the deceased who have lost. Everyone is affected by the incident. I had worked with him on the peace committee. He was hardworking and of good character. We assure you that we will investigate the matter and ensure justice for the deceased.”
Yakubu Muhammad, prior to his untimely death, served as a member of the 57-man peace implementation committee established by Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 division of the Nigerian Army.
The committee was tasked with addressing the crisis between farmers and herders in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South, and Bassa Local Government Areas. Additionally, he was part of the 17-man peace implementation committee in Bassa, formed by the GOC to address the crisis in herding and farming communities in the Bassa general area.
