Gunmen kill 3 herders, 50 cattle in fresh Plateau attack

Gunmen have killed three herders and about 50 cows around the Aloghom area of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The latest attack occurred a day after a herder, Yakubu Ishaku, was reportedly killed around the Nyerwe community in Barkin Ladi LGA of the state.

Hashimu Yahaya, Coordinator of the Fulbe Fulani Development Association in Mangu LGA, described the attack as brutal and said the victims were killed while carrying out their activities.

He identified the victims as Garzali Shaibu, 18; Bashiru Yakubu, 14; and Salim Abubakar, 15.

Also confirming the incident, the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, said gunmen stormed the grazing area and opened fire while the victims were tending to their cattle.

He said: “The herders were just tending to their cattle when suddenly the perpetrators attacked and started shooting sporadically. On Thursday, they killed a herder and 18 cattle around Nyerwe. Today, three herders and 50 cattle were killed.

“This is an unprovoked attack because the herders were going about their peaceful activities. It is obvious that it is a calculated attempt to cleanse Fulani herders and destroy their means of livelihood in Plateau. We have informed all the relevant security agencies in the state, including DSS and Operation Enduring Peace,” the state chairman said.

Babayo further condemned the attack and called on herders in the state to remain calm and law-abiding.

“I call on all herding communities to remain calm as security forces have been informed about the situation. Nobody should take the law into their hands. We are calling on all security agencies in the state to investigate those responsible for this incident and ensure justice is done for the victims. This is one too many,” he said.

The spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, Captain Polycarp Oteh, did not respond to inquiries by our correspondent as of press time. (Daily trust)