MACBAN Calls for Investigation into the Murder of Kwara Chairman Idrissu Abubakar
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria seeks a thorough investigation into the murder of its Kwara chairman, Idrissu Abubakar, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen. This incident, occurring after prayers, reflects a disturbing trend of violence against MACBAN leaders, with calls for accountability and security intervention.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has called for an investigation into the murder of its Kwara state chapter chairman, Idrissu Abubakar. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday night, when Mr. Abubakar was shot by unidentified assailants at approximately 10:00 p.m. outside his residence in Oke Ose, Ilorin East LGA. The police have confirmed the retrieval of five spent 7.62mm shells from the crime scene, and his body is currently at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital mortuary.
In a statement issued on Sunday, MACBAN’s national president, Baba Ngelzarma, condemned the killing, emphasizing that Mr. Abubakar was the youngest chairman in the association and was dedicated to promoting peace among pastoralists. He lamented the loss of Mr. Abubakar, who was 33 years old and leaves behind two wives, six young children, and his elderly mother. This marks the second assassination of a MACBAN chairman within the year, following the death of Katsina’s newly elected chairman, Alhaji Sirajo Mairana.
Mr. Ngelzarma revealed that the attack occurred after Mr. Abubakar returned home from Tarawee prayers and reiterated the association’s dismay over the targeted killings of its leadership. He noted that over seven MACBAN chairmen at various levels have been murdered by assailants in the past two years. Additionally, the national vice-president, Alhaji Manir Lamido, has been missing since 2023 while en route between Katsina and Kaduna states.
The association has assured a commitment to uncovering the perpetrators behind these violent acts, denouncing them as cowardly and stressing the need for thorough investigation by the authorities. Mr. Ngelzarma has called on security agencies to take decisive action against the continuous pattern of violence against the association’s leaders.
The recent surge in violence against leaders of MACBAN demands urgent attention from law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of pastoral communities.
The tragic murder of Idrissu Abubakar, the chairman of MACBAN’s Kwara state chapter, underscores the rising violence against pastoral leaders in Nigeria. With repeated assassinations, the association urges security agencies to conduct thorough investigations and address the alarming trend of targeted killings. The loss of Mr. Abubakar, dedicated to the peaceful advancement of pastoralism, highlights the urgent need for enhanced protection for these community leaders.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
