The National leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the recurring killings of its leaders across the country.
This appeal follows the assassination of the association’s Kwara State Chairman, Idrissu Abubakar, who was shot dead by unknown gunmen at his residence in Ilorin on Saturday night.
In a statement signed by MACBAN’s National Secretary, Bello Aliyu Gotomo, on Sunday in Abuja, the association’s President, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, revealed that Abubakar was attacked around 10:00 pm shortly after returning home from Taraweeh prayers.
Abubakar, aged 33, is the second MACBAN chairman to be killed in less than two months, following the murder of the newly elected Katsina State chairman, Alhaji Sirajo Ahmad Mairana, in January.
He is survived by two wives, six young children, and his aged mother.
Describing Abubakar as a dedicated leader, Ngelzarma strongly condemned the killing, calling it a “senseless and targeted attack” on MACBAN officials.
“This is a tragic loss for the association and the livestock industry in Nigeria. Idrissu Abubakar was deeply committed to improving the welfare of pastoralists and advancing the transformation of livestock production in the country,” he said.
The MACBAN President also extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the Kwara State Government, and the association’s members nationwide.
Over the past two years, MACBAN has lost more than seven state and local government chairmen to similar attacks.
The association’s National Vice President, Eng. Manir Lamido, has also been missing since 2023 while traveling between Katsina and Kaduna states.
Ngelzarma assured that MACBAN would take all necessary steps to ensure justice is served.
“We cannot continue to lose our leaders to acts of cowardice and violence. We urge security agencies to expedite investigations and bring those responsible to justice,” he stated.
The association has called on the government to enhance security measures to protect its members, emphasizing the need for decisive action against the perpetrators of these targeted killings.
