Plateau Tragedy: MACBAN Cries Out Over Killing of Teenage Herders in Riyom

Plateau Tragedy: MACBAN Cries Out Over Killing of Teenage Herders in Riyom. The fragile peace in Plateau State has been tested yet again. The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has reported a grim discovery in Riyom Local Government Area, where two teenage herders were allegedly ambushed and killed by gunmen. This latest incident adds another layer of complexity to the security challenges facing the North Central region.

Here is a breakdown of the legal and security implications surrounding this development: The Legal Framework for Justice under Nigerian Law, specifically the Criminal Code Act (applicable in Southern states) and the Penal Code (applicable in Northern states like Plateau), the following principles apply:Right to Life: Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees every citizen the right to life. No individual or group has the legal authority to extrajudicially kill another.

Culpable Homicide: The killing of these herders falls under “Culpable Homicide punishable with death” under the Penal Code. MACBAN’s call for justice aligns with the state’s obligation to investigate, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrators.The Role of Security Agencies: Per the Police Act 2020, the Nigeria Police Force is duty-bound to prevent crime and protect lives. MACBAN has specifically called for increased surveillance to prevent retaliatory attacks, which often follow such incidents in the “Middle Belt” axis.

MACBAN’s Demands: The association is not just mourning; they are demanding institutional action. Their primary concerns include:Immediate Investigation: Identifying the “gunmen” to ensure they face the full wrath of the law.Protection of Livelihoods: Ensuring that teenage herders can graze without the threat of lethal ambush.End to Cycle of Violence: Breaking the “tit-for-tat” pattern that has historically plagued Riyom and surrounding LGAs.

Why This Matters for Plateau: Riyom has long been a flashpoint for communal clashes. When teenagers are the victims, it signals a dangerous escalation that threatens community relations and local stability. Legal experts and stakeholders emphasize that without swift judicial intervention, these incidents risk spiraling into broader conflict.

Note: Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to prevent aggrieved parties from taking the law into their own hands, which is a violation of the rule of law in Nigeria.