Gunmen Kill Farmers, Cattle In Fresh Plateau Attack

At least two farmers and 21 cattle were killed on Sunday in separate attacks in Riyom and Jos South local government areas of Plateau State.

The first attack occurred around 1 p.m. when gunmen targeted herders near Gero in Jos South LGA, injuring one person and killing 21 cattle.

The second attack happened around 7:20 p.m. in Kyeng village, Bachi District, Riyom LGA, when gunmen attacked the area.

In a statement on Monday, the National Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, condemned the killings.

Tengwong said, “The victims are Peter Dung, 22, and Amos Bele Danbwarang, 19, were ambushed and shot dead around 7:20pm before the attackers fled into nearby bushes.

“BYM describes the attack as barbaric, inhuman, and part of the continued assaults on innocent native communities in Plateau State. The Association calls on security agencies to immediately go after the perpetrators and ensure justice is served, while urging governments at all levels to take decisive steps towards ending the persistent killings across Plateau communities.”

Confirming the attack on the herders, the state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, said the incident occurred around the community, while the herders were grazing cattle.

He said, “ The herders were grazing peacefully around 1:p.m., when the gunmen started shooting sporadically. They injured one herder and killed 21 cattle. The cattle are worth millions of naira. We condemn the incident and call on security forces to take immediate measures to prevent further occurrence of the incident.

Our correspondent gathered that troops attached to Sector 3 were mobilised to support personnel of Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace who were already operating in the Gero community during the attack.

Daily Trust reports that the latest violence comes amid recurring security concerns in parts of Plateau State involving clashes between armed groups, herders and farmers.

No official security statement has been released at the time of filing this report.(Daily trust)