The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Plateau State has condemned the killing of Deputy Commander of Operation Rainbow, CSP Dennis David Babale, who was ambushed by gunmen in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Tuesday, and Babale later died from his injuries at the General Hospital, Barkin Ladi.
According to reports, Babale was attacked at about 4:06 p.m. while travelling in a Toyota Hilux along the Bokkos-Barkin Ladi road. The security personnel came under fire from unidentified gunmen while responding to a distress call. Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace, subsequently moved to the scene following the distress report.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying a Chief Superintendent of Police attached to Operation Rainbow was killed in an ambush along Gagshi Road between Barkin Ladi and Bokkos. Police spokesman in the state, Alfred Alabo, said investigations were ongoing to identify those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice.
In a statement issued on Thursday, MACBAN Plateau State Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, said the killing of the police commander showed that the wave of violence in the state should no longer be treated with kid gloves. The association called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to end the recurring violence.
MACBAN extended its condolences to the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, the families of the deceased and others affected by the attack. However, the group strongly cautioned against the premature attribution of violent incidents in Plateau State to the Fulani community, saying no credible security agency had established that Fulani people were responsible for the attack on Babale.
The association warned individuals and groups against making inflammatory statements or spreading unverified claims that collectively blame the Fulani community for security incidents. MACBAN urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
The continuous loss of innocent lives was unacceptable, MACBAN said, stressing that no community benefits from violence. The association called for justice, dialogue and respect for the rule of law as part of efforts to restore lasting peace in Plateau State, and urged its members to continue abiding by the law and called on all stakeholders to reject hate, misinformation and collective blame.
Key points
- MACBAN warns against blaming Fulani people for killing of police commander without credible evidence.
- The association calls for a thorough investigation into the killings and prosecution of those responsible.
- The killing of the police commander shows that the wave of violence in Plateau State should no longer be treated with kid gloves.
