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Stop alleged killing of pastoralists in Taraba, Plateau, MACBAN urges security agencies

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By Ishaq Dan-Imam

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), a Fulani Socio-cultural Organization has called on the security agencies to put an end to the alleged hunting and killings of pastoralists in Taraba and Plateau states by vigilante groups.

The National Secretary of
MACBAN, Alhaji Bello Aliyu Gotomo, who made the call in a statement on Monday in Abuja, emphasized the need for the security agencies to put an end to the activities of vigilante mobs and arrest all those involved.

“The National Headquarters of MACBAN condemns the hunting and killing of innocent pastoralists by members of the local vigilante group in Bali Local Government areas of Taraba and some unknown gunmen in Bokkos and Barikin Ladi in Plateau states.

He said: “Reports reaching MACBAN headquarters indicate that on Nov. 25 2022, 13 innocent pastoralists were allegedly hunted and killed by members of the local vigilante in Jatau and Japan villages in Bali LGA in Taraba state.

“The vigilante group also rustled over 270 cows and took several motorcycles of pastoralists passing through the area.

“This dastardly and heinous crime took place in the full glare of constituted authorities with no arrest made so far.”

Gotomo noted that no one has the right to take life of any citizen unless sanctioned by constituted authorities.

He called on the Federal and State Governments to checkmate the activities of the overzealous members of the vigilante which are partly responsible to the spiralling of insecurity in the Northwest.

He said; “And therefore Taraba ought to learn a lesson. We frown at a situation where the entire security architecture is left in the hands of the local vigilante groups like what’s happening presently in Bali LGA of Taraba State.

“We recall the crisis in Bali started on the Oct. 2022 when members of the vigilante group and their collaborators killed 12 pastoralists in Zude village also in Bali LGA and rustled 704 cattle and took away over 30 motorcycles, to date no one had been arrested for these crimes.

“Allowing impunity is the major reason that insecurity is escalating in the country and it is time to deal decisively with the activities of so-called vigilante to allow Taraba to be plunged into the kind of crisis Zamfara and Katsina states are going through.”

The national secretary also called on the Plateau State Government and the security agencies to fish out those responsible for the killing of innocent herders and farmers in the state.

“As a responsible Association, we are ready to assist all those state Governments and the security agencies in dealing with erring pastoralist.

“We had always partnered Governments and security agencies before and we will continue to work for peace and security for all Nigerians,” he said.

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Crime

New Terror Group, Lukarawa, Uses Social Media for Recruitment as DHQ allays Public fear

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The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that the newly emerged terrorist group, Lukarawa, has begun recruiting members via social media platforms, but reassured Nigerians that security forces are aware of the situation and are taking steps to prevent the group from gaining ground.
The group is believed to be operating in the northern states of Sokoto and Kebbi, areas that have seen a rise in violent incidents linked to the group.
According to Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Media Operations at the DHQ, *Lukarawa* has recently escalated its activities by using social media to attract new recruits, primarily targeting young people with sermons and welfare incentives. This marks a shift in the group’s recruitment strategy, which has traditionally been more localized.
“The group has started utilizing online platforms, showcasing sermons and offering welfare packages to entice potential recruits,” Buba explained. “However, we are fully aware of their plans, and our forces are actively working with other security agencies and state governments to counter their efforts.”

Lukarawa;s presence has been particularly felt in Sokoto and Kebbi states, where they have carried out a series of attacks. The latest incident occurred in Mera town, Kebbi State, on Friday, when militants attacked during the Friday Jumaat prayers, killing at least 15 people and stealing over 100 cattle. The violence has left communities shaken and has raised concerns over the group’s growing presence in the region.

While *Lukarawa* is being described as a new group, former Department of State Services (DSS) Director Mike Ejiofor noted that the group has actually been active since 2018, initially operating in the Niger Republic. The group was reportedly formed by a local leader named Nassala, and after his death, the group moved into Nigeria, with some elements settling in Sokoto.

Ejiofor suggested that the group, despite its recent spike in visibility, does not currently pose a serious national security threat. “Although they have been operating in the region for some time, their numbers are still small, and they have not grown to the point where they can pose a significant threat to national security,” he said. “Our intelligence agencies have been monitoring their activities closely.”

The former DSS director also highlighted that the group’s recruitment efforts could be countered through stronger intelligence operations and greater cooperation from local communities. He stressed the need for residents to report any suspicious activities to security agencies to prevent the group from gaining further traction.

“This group is still small, but we cannot afford to be complacent,” Ejiofor said. “The community has a vital role to play in supporting security efforts. Reporting suspicious movements and activities is key to stopping these groups from spreading.”

In response to growing concerns, the DHQ has reassured the public that security forces are monitoring the situation and will take all necessary measures to protect lives and property. The military has also called on local communities to cooperate fully, as the fight against insurgent groups requires a united front.

The emergence of Lukarawa serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges in the northern regions of Nigeria, where various groups continue to exploit local grievances and instability. While the DHQ remains confident in its ability to contain the group, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any signs of extremist activities.

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Vandalism Disrupts Lokoja–Gwagwalada Transmission Line, TCN Reports

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported another incident of vandalism on the Lokoja–Gwagwalada power transmission line. Unknown vandals have damaged three towers along this route, affecting power transmission.

According to a statement from Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Corporate Affairs, the vandals also removed two spans of aluminum conductor from line one. Although the transmission line is a double-circuit, TCN is supplying bulk power through the undamaged line two, while efforts are underway to source replacement conductors for the damaged line.

The statement expressed TCN’s alarm over the increasing vandalism incidents, which pose a significant threat to the reliability and growth of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. TCN is appealing to local communities and security agencies to work together to protect these critical assets from further damage.

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Crime

Lakurawa Attack: Mass Burial Held for Fifteen Victims of Mera Village

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A somber mass burial has been held for fifteen residents of Mera village in Kebbi State’s Augie Local Government Area, following a violent attack by a new terror group, Lakurawa.
The tragedy has left the community in shock and mourning.
The burial ceremony drew the presence of Deputy Governor Umar Tafida, the Commissioner of Police, other top security officials, and the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Isma’ila Mera, who all came to pay their respects and offer support to the grieving families.

Deputy Governor Tafida extended condolences on behalf of the State Governor, pledging continued support for the affected families.
He also promised that the government would strengthen efforts with security agencies to prevent similar attacks, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to community safety.

Emir Isma’ila Mera, addressing the gathering, called for unity and resilience among residents and urged security agencies to intensify their actions to protect local communities.
Prayers for peace and the repose of the victims’ souls were held, highlighting a collective determination to improve security across the region.
The state government reassured citizens that it remains committed to safeguarding lives and will implement additional security measures to prevent further tragedies.

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