Imams seek FG’s intervention over alleged arrests, killings, destruction of property 

Fresh security concerns have emerged in Plateau State following the killing of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer and the abduction of a businessman in Pushit community, Mangu Local Council, despite an ongoing dusk-to-dawn curfew.
 
The incident came amid complaints by Muslim clerics in Barkin Ladi Local Council over alleged security threats, unlawful arrests and destruction of property, as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) called for an investigation into the killing of a herder and the alleged burning of Fulani homes by security personnel.
 
The NSCDC officer, identified as Deputy Superintendent Distu Garba Audu, popularly known as Tony, was reportedly shot dead at about 8:00 p.m. near his residence in Pushit.
 
According to a local activist, John Walshak, Audu was riding his motorcycle to buy meat at a local shop when he encountered the gunmen, who had earlier abducted a businessman identified only as Gilbert.
 
Gilbert, a popular trader dealing in fuel, cement and fertiliser, was reportedly being taken away by the attackers when the headlight of Audu’s motorcycle exposed his presence.
 
The gunmen allegedly opened fire on the officer as they fled with their hostage.
 
As of press time, the whereabouts of the abducted businessman remained unknown, while security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
 
The attack has heightened anxiety in Mangu and other parts of the state, where authorities have imposed dusk-to-dawn curfews following recurring killings and attacks.
 
In a related development, five Imams from Juma’at mosques in Dorowa-Babuje, Luggere and Jol communities in Barkin Ladi appealed to the state and federal governments to address what they described as growing security threats in their areas.
 
The clerics, identified as Imams Bashir Khamis, Salihu Muhammad, Idris Usman, Aliyu Mahmud and Yahaya, said the situation was becoming alarming and required urgent intervention to prevent further deterioration of peace.

The clerics, led by Imam Yahaya of the Luggere Juma’at Mosque, who spoke with journalists in Jos, alleged that members of their communities had suffered unlawful arrests, threats, destruction of property and killings.
 
“We are in difficult times in these communities. Unlawful arrest of our members without any cogent reason is the order of the day,” Yahaya said.
 
He alleged that members of their social media team, who documented and publicised their experiences, had been arrested or threatened, while houses and other property were allegedly destroyed.
 
The Imams said they did not oppose lawful investigations or the legitimate duties of security agencies but called for impartiality in the handling of security matters, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation.
 
They also appealed for protection for their communities and places of worship during Juma’at prayers, an end to the alleged destruction of property and permission for cattle to graze.

“We appeal to be treated equally with our Christian neighbours and that no one should be spared if found guilty, irrespective of their ethno-religious background,” they said.
 
Meanwhile, MACBAN has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate the alleged killing of a herder and the injury of two others by mobile police officers in Maraban Dare, Bassa Local Council.
 
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday when the herders were tending to their cattle.

Eyewitnesses alleged that officers attached to Mobile Police Force 81 arrived at the grazing field and opened fire, forcing the herders to flee and abandon their cattle.
 
A survivor, Abba Jafar, said he sustained a gunshot wound on his head, while his colleagues, Adamu Mato and Adamu Abubakar, were also involved in the incident. Mato was reportedly killed, while Jafar and Abubakar sustained injuries.

“They didn’t tell us anything but started shooting. They killed my colleague and injured two others.

Though I survived, I sustained a gunshot wound on the head. We have not committed any crime,” Jafar said.
 
The Plateau State Chairman of MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, condemned the alleged shooting and called for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into Mato’s death.
 
Babayo said the herders were engaged in their normal activities when the incident occurred. He also accused personnel allegedly attached to MOPOL 81 of unlawful arrests and the destruction of houses belonging to Fulani residents in parts of the state.
 
He specifically alleged that on October 19, 2026, personnel linked to the unit set fire on Fulani homes at Exland Junction in Gashish District, Barkin Ladi, and took away motorcycles and other valuables belonging to residents.
 T
he MACBAN chairman said the allegations had heightened fear among Fulani communities, particularly in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bassa, and urged the police leadership to order an independent investigation into the conduct of the officers.
 
Meanwhile, when contacted, the Spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo, did not respond to inquiries about the allegations.