Bandits, Rustlers Kill 50, Steal 200,000 Cattle In Kaduna, Says MACBAN

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Kaduna State chapter, has raised the alarm over escalating insecurity, saying more than 200,000 cattle and at least 50 of its members have been lost to cattle rustling, banditry and related attacks in the state since January 2026.

MACBAN disclosed this on Sunday at a press conference in Kaduna, where its State Chairman, Alhaji Abdulhamid Musa, and spokesman, Ibrahim Bayero Zango, detailed the scale of the losses.

The association said none of the more than 200,000 cattle reportedly lost between January and September had been recovered as of the time of the briefing.

“From January to this September, over 200,000 cows have been lost,” MACBAN said, adding that its members were killed in communal clashes, attacks by farmers and by bandits during cattle-rustling operations.

The affected areas, according to the association, include Kachia, Chikun, Kagarko, Giwa, Igabi, Jama’a, Kaura, Sanga, Jaba, Kudan, Makarfi, Lere, Zangon-Kataf and Kauru.

MACBAN said the crisis had pushed many pastoralist families into severe economic hardship, with some losing their entire source of livelihood.

The group urged the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intensify intelligence-led operations against cattle rustlers and bandits, increase security along livestock routes and protect vulnerable rural communities.

It also called for tighter regulation of the newly opened Rijana livestock market in Kachia, amid concerns that stolen cattle could be entering the market.

MACBAN stressed that it was not accusing traders or livestock owners at the market of criminality, but urged authorities to ensure proper identification and documentation of livestock and verification of traders and buyers.

The association further demanded an effective system for recovering stolen cattle and returning them to verified owners.

It called for a committee to document livestock losses, affected families and deaths, as well as government assistance or compensation for verified victims.

While highlighting the security challenges, MACBAN commended Governor Uba Sani’s administration for its efforts to improve security, rural infrastructure and livestock regulation in the state.

The association reaffirmed its condemnation of cattle rustling, banditry, kidnapping and killings, and urged its members to remain law-abiding while supporting efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists.