The Plateau State branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has ended its temporary halt on cattle deliveries by Fulani traders to the Kara Livestock Market in Bukuru, allowing business to resume earlier than initially planned.
The association imposed the restriction on October 6 after gunmen attacked traders travelling from the market. Unidentified assailants fired on a commercial vehicle near the Total roundabout in Bukuru, within Jos South Local Government Area.
The bus was carrying 20 traders who had left the Kara Livestock Market and were travelling to Rafin Bauna village in Bassa Local Government Area. One person was killed in the shooting and seven others were wounded. A further victim died in hospital two days later.
In response, MACBAN ordered cattle supplies to the market to stop from October 6 until October 20. State chairman Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo issued the instruction after an emergency meeting, directing it to Fulani leaders, Ardos and cattle owners throughout Plateau State. Participants at the meeting condemned what they said were repeated, deliberate attacks against members of the Fulani community.
The association reversed the restriction after the Plateau State government instructed security agencies to investigate the incident and pledged that those responsible would face justice. Babayo said Fulani community leaders and livestock owners had also urged MACBAN to reconsider because the stoppage was threatening their commercial activities and livelihoods.
MACBAN said further consultations were held with community leaders and other stakeholders after its earlier communiqué suspending cattle movements to the Kara Bukuru Livestock Market between October 6 and October 20, 2026.
The group said it received numerous requests from members facing pressing personal and family circumstances, including sickness, financial difficulties and other situations that made it necessary to sell cattle. After reviewing those concerns, the leadership unanimously agreed to cancel the earlier suspension with immediate effect.
Cattle owners and herders from Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos, Mangu and Jos South local government areas, as well as other parts of Plateau State, may therefore resume bringing livestock to the Kara Bukuru market from Sunday, October 11, 2026, rather than waiting until October 20.
MACBAN said the decision was made solely for humanitarian reasons and in recognition of members’ urgent needs. It nevertheless advised herders and livestock owners to stay alert, work closely with security agencies and avoid conduct that could threaten public order or peace.
The Fulani community thanked security agencies for their support and professionalism during the period, with particular praise for officers and personnel of Operation Enduring Peace for what it described as their quick response and commitment to protecting lives and preserving stability.
The association reaffirmed its support for peaceful coexistence, adherence to the law and continued collaboration with security authorities. It also called on relevant agencies and authorities to maintain efforts to protect everyone travelling to and from the Kara Bukuru Livestock Market.
