Plateau Attack: Berom Youths Accuse MACBAN of Plot to Shield Suspect with ‘Fake Medical Report’

Fresh tension has emerged in Plateau State following allegations by the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) that leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) are attempting to shield a suspect linked to a deadly attack in Barkin Ladi.

The accusation stems from the April 5 assault on Pwomol village in Heipang District, where gunmen reportedly killed residents and destroyed properties. During the incident, local vigilantes apprehended one suspect, identified as Suleiman, and handed him over to security forces for investigation.

BYM President, Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, claimed the group had received intelligence suggesting efforts were underway to secure the suspect’s release using a questionable medical claim. According to him, the plan involves presenting a report alleging that the suspect is mentally unstable.

“Information available to us indicates that there are desperate moves to obtain a medical certificate declaring the suspect mentally unfit, with the aim of influencing authorities handling the case,” Mwantiri said in a statement. He warned that such a move, if proven, would amount to an attempt to obstruct justice.

The youth group argued that the suspect had already provided detailed information during preliminary investigations, making any sudden claim of mental incapacity questionable. “It is both illogical and unacceptable that someone who reportedly gave coherent accounts of the incident is now being described as mentally unstable,” the statement added.

BYM further cautioned that any individual or institution involved in producing or facilitating such a report should be investigated and treated as accomplices. The group insisted that the integrity of the ongoing investigation must not be compromised under any circumstances.

The association also raised concerns about the broader implications, warning that interference in the case could erode public trust and send negative signals about accountability in handling security challenges in Plateau State.

Authorities have yet to respond publicly to the allegations, while investigations into the Pwomol attack and the suspect’s role continue.