Introduction: Growing Threats Against Miyetti Allah Leaders
The National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MCBAN), Baba Ngelzarma, on Sunday raised alarm over the increasing threats against leaders of the association, urging both federal and state governments to provide adequate protection. His concerns come in the wake of the tragic killing of the acting Chairman of the Katsina State chapter of MCBAN, Alhaji Amadu Surajo, who was brutally murdered on Saturday.
A Grim Pattern of Violence
Ngelzarma, in a statement to FRONTPAGE, confirmed the death of Surajo, who had only been in office for three months. The killing follows a disturbing pattern of attacks targeting MCBAN leaders, particularly in the northern states of Nigeria. Just three months prior, Surajo’s predecessor was kidnapped, and his fate remains unknown. Ngelzarma expressed his growing fear, stating that leaders in Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, and Katsina have increasingly become targets of violent assaults.
“We are deeply concerned, as this is no longer an isolated incident. It is becoming a trend, and our members are under constant threat,” Ngelzarma said. He stressed the urgency for the government to step in and protect the lives of their members who hold leadership positions, as the violence continues to escalate.
The Attack: A Night of Horror in Mai Rana Village
The incident took place late on Saturday night, extending into the early hours of Sunday, in Mai Rana village, located in the Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State. Suspected bandits stormed the village, carrying out a coordinated attack that led to the tragic deaths of Surajo and three others. Several individuals were also left injured as the attackers wreaked havoc in the area.
In addition to the killings, the bandits kidnapped two of Surajo’s wives and one of his daughters, a university student. However, sources close to the incident revealed that Surajo’s first wife was later released by the kidnappers. The attack has left the community shaken, and local authorities have been deployed to restore order and investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.
The Disappearance of Surajo’s Predecessor: A Chilling Connection
The death of Surajo marks a troubling continuation of violence against MCBAN leadership in Katsina State. His predecessor, Munnir Lamido, who had served as the state Chairman and National Vice President of MCBAN, went missing in June 2024. Lamido had reportedly left his home for a trip to Kaduna State and informed his family of a stopover in Zaria. However, hours later, his whereabouts became unknown, and his vehicle and phones were found abandoned near Maraban Jos, just before entering Kaduna.
Despite efforts by security operatives to locate him, Lamido remains missing to this day, and his fate remains unclear. Surajo’s appointment as acting chairman followed Lamido’s disappearance, adding further weight to the growing concerns about the safety of MCBAN leaders.
Reactions and the Need for Immediate Action
The recent violence has raised alarm not only within the Miyetti Allah association but also among various communities in the region. Kusada Local Government Area, traditionally not considered a hotspot for insecurity, has now become embroiled in the wave of violence. Observers are questioning whether the attacks are solely motivated by banditry or if there are deeper, more insidious factors at play, including potential links to terrorism.
The Katsina State Police Command has yet to provide a comprehensive statement regarding the attack. ASP Abubakar Sadiq, the Public Relations Officer of the Katsina Police, confirmed in a telephone interview that he had not received a briefing on the incident but assured that information would be made available once the police had a full report.
The Burials and Aftermath
The bodies of Surajo and the other victims are expected to be buried on Sunday morning, in accordance with Islamic rites. Meanwhile, the injured individuals are receiving medical treatment, and the community is grappling with the shock and grief caused by the attack.
The killing of Alhaji Amadu Surajo is a tragic reminder of the ever-growing insecurity in northern Nigeria, where leaders of various communities, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, are becoming targets of violent attacks. Ngelzarma’s call for government intervention is a plea for protection against a clear and present danger that is threatening the stability and safety of the region.
Conclusion: Urgent Need for Government Intervention
The assassination of Alhaji Amadu Surajo and the rise in targeted attacks against MCBAN leaders is a clear indication of the escalating security crisis in Nigeria. The government must act swiftly to protect those in leadership positions who play crucial roles in maintaining peace and stability within their communities. Ngelzarma’s call for action is urgent, as the safety of citizens and community leaders continues to be undermined by unchecked violence and insecurity. It is imperative for both federal and state authorities to prioritize the safety of these individuals to prevent further bloodshed and ensure the well-being of all Nigerians.
