The Gwong Development Association (GDA) has cautioned the Kaduna State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) against making claims that could undermine ongoing peace efforts in Jema’a local government area of the state.
In a statement signed by its president, Prof. Ishaya Auta, made available to journalists on Friday, the association faulted MACBAN’s report alleging that four herders were ambushed by armed militias at Tanda village on September 28, 2025.
GDA described the claim as misleading and capable of heightening tension among residents of Gwong Chiefdom.
The group said the recent clash in Tanda and Asso communities did not occur without provocation.
It explained that on September 20, 2025, some Fulani herders allegedly returned from night grazing around 8:30pm and destroyed farmlands.
Despite interventions by community leaders, the herders reportedly ignored warnings and continued grazing on farmlands the next day, sparking a confrontation that left both locals and herders injured.
The statement noted that a peace meeting was subsequently held on September 22, involving government officials, the district head of Asso and other stakeholders.
However, suspected herders allegedly resumed hostilities, leading to the disappearance of two farmers, Douglas Andrew and Matthew Noel Bazara, while working on their farms.
GDA claimed that herders invited by security agents over the incident refused to honour the invitation and fled the area.
“On September 29, a farmer, Timothy Dyeri, was killed on his farm, while on October 5, another resident, Paul Dangari Gambo, was murdered in his house. Investigations later revealed that herders confessed to killing the two missing farmers,” the statement added.
GDA criticised MACBAN for failing to acknowledge the efforts of the Jema’a LGA chairman, Peter Tanko Dogara, who promptly convened peace meetings and visited affected families in Tanda, Asso and Kariyo communities.
Auta also commended the Kpop Gwong, His Royal Highness, Paul Zakka Wyom and representatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for visiting the affected families to appeal for calm and peaceful coexistence.
