Fulanis are not involved in Kebbi attack that claimed 15 lives — Miyetti Allah

The Kebbi State Chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the recent wave of violence in Kebbi State, which included the killing of six Fulani residents, along with the destruction of 185 settlements and 42 grain silos in a reprisal attack. 

The association has firmly distanced itself from the initial killings in Mera, which reportedly triggered the retaliation.

According to MACBAN, the reprisal attack was allegedly carried out by a volunteer security group known as Yansa Kai, in response to the killing of 15 individuals in Mera last Friday. MACBAN, however, asserts that the Fulani were not involved in the Mera killings and attributes the violence to the actions of a terror group called Lakurawa, which it says has been terrorizing pastoral communities in Kebbi.

In a statement, MACBAN’s state secretary, Abubakar Lamido, explained that Lakurawa has engaged in forceful taxation, known locally as Zakat, while also seizing livestock and extorting large sums of money from Fulani cattle rearers. Reported losses include up to 120 cows, 51 goats and sheep, and cash amounts ranging from N300,000 to N20 million from Fulani communities in the Augie area.

“Lakurawa are hardened criminals and should be treated as such. We are not associated with them. We are worst affected by their illegalities,” the statement read.

The association labeled members of the terror group as “international criminals,” noting that they often move freely with sophisticated weapons across border regions including Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, and areas near the Nigeria-Niger Republic border.

MACBAN has called on relevant authorities to investigate the attacks and bring those responsible to justice. They also appealed for urgent support for Fulani communities affected by the reprisals, many of whom have lost their homes, food supplies, and livestock.

The association expressed hope that the government will respond promptly to provide relief and to ensure that peace is restored to the region.