By Taibat Ummi Yakubu

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised alarm over what it described as devastating losses suffered by pastoralists across Kaduna State, revealing that more than 200,000 cattle and at least 50 of its members were lost to insecurity within the first nine months of 2026.

The association said the staggering losses, caused by cattle rustling, bandit attacks, communal conflicts and other security challenges, have left many families in financial ruin, with some losing their entire source of livelihood.

Speaking during a press conference in Kaduna on Sunday, the state leadership of MACBAN, led by Chairman Alhaji Abdulhamid Musa and spokesman Ibrahim Bayero Zango, painted a grim picture of the impact insecurity has had on livestock breeders across the state.

According to the association, the crisis has reached an alarming level, with thousands of pastoralists struggling to recover from the loss of their herds.

“Between January and September this year, more than 200,000 cattle have been lost, and none has been recovered,” the association disclosed.

MACBAN described the situation as a major economic disaster for communities whose survival depends almost entirely on livestock production.

The group also revealed that insecurity had claimed the lives of more than 50 cattle breeders during the same period. It explained that some victims were killed during violent clashes between communities, while others lost their lives in attacks allegedly linked to disputes with farmers or during cattle-rustling operations carried out by armed bandits.

The association noted that the human toll of the crisis has further deepened the suffering of affected families, many of whom have been left without breadwinners and means of sustenance.

Areas identified as the worst-hit include Kachia, Chikun, Kagarko, Giwa, Igabi, Jama’a, Kaura, Sanga, Jaba, Kudan, Makarfi, Lere, Zangon-Kataf and Kauru local government areas, where livestock breeders continue to grapple with recurring attacks and cattle theft.

MACBAN stressed that cattle represent far more than commercial assets to pastoralist families, describing livestock as a generational source of survival, wealth and economic security.

The association warned that the disappearance of entire herds could plunge communities deeper into poverty and create long-term socio-economic challenges in rural areas.

It therefore called on the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to treat cattle rustling as both a security and economic emergency, arguing that the destruction of livestock-based livelihoods has serious implications for rural development and food production.

The group also expressed concern over activities surrounding the recently inaugurated Rijana Livestock Market in Kachia Local Government Area.

While clarifying that it was not accusing traders or market operators of wrongdoing, MACBAN said allegations suggesting that stolen livestock could be finding their way into the market deserved urgent investigation.

The association urged authorities to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure the market does not become a channel for the sale of rustled cattle or other criminal activities.

To address the challenge, MACBAN recommended stricter livestock identification systems, improved documentation processes, verification of traders and buyers, and stronger cooperation among market authorities, livestock associations and security agencies.

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It further insisted that anyone found engaging in cattle rustling, trafficking of stolen animals or related crimes should be prosecuted without exception.

The association also advocated intelligence-driven security operations in forests and rural communities identified as hotspots for cattle theft, alongside increased security presence along major livestock routes.

Another key recommendation was the establishment of an effective framework that would allow victims to report stolen livestock and provide proof of ownership through identifying marks, traditional methods and other forms of documentation.

MACBAN also proposed the creation of a special committee to document and verify losses suffered by pastoralists, including the number of stolen cattle, affected households and fatalities linked to cattle rustling and banditry.

According to the association, such a mechanism would help government accurately assess the scale of the problem and provide targeted interventions, including compensation for verified victims seeking to rebuild their livelihoods.

Despite expressing deep concerns over insecurity, the group commended Governor Uba Sani’s administration for efforts aimed at improving peace and security in Kaduna State since assuming office.

It specifically praised the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the rehabilitation of rural roads connecting farming and livestock-producing communities, and reforms within the Kaduna State Livestock Regulatory Agency.

MACBAN also acknowledged government initiatives in agriculture and livestock development, describing them as important steps toward strengthening the sector.

The association, however, maintained that greater collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and local stakeholders remains essential to tackling the root causes of insecurity.

It called for sustained dialogue between farmers and pastoralists, emphasizing that peaceful coexistence remains the most effective path toward ending recurring conflicts and promoting stability in rural communities.

Reaffirming its position against all forms of criminality, MACBAN condemned cattle rustling, banditry, kidnapping and killings, while urging authorities to ensure perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.

At the same time, the association cautioned against the collective profiling of law-abiding pastoralists because of the actions of criminal elements, stressing that innocent livestock owners should not be unfairly stigmatized.

It also urged its members to remain peaceful, respect the law and cooperate with government authorities in efforts to strengthen security and community relations.

The association reiterated its commitment to peaceful livestock production, economic development and harmonious coexistence among all communities in Kaduna State, while pledging to continue working with government, farmers’ groups, traditional institutions and security agencies to find lasting solutions to insecurity and conflict.