Gunmen Open Fire On Herders, Kill Six Cattle In Plateau Community

Gunmen on Tuesday attacked herders in Jol community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing six cattle.

The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Jos.

Babayo said the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. while the herders were grazing their cattle in the area.

According to him, no herder was killed as the victims narrowly escaped the attack.

He described the incident as unprovoked, noting that the herders were carrying out their normal activities peacefully when the assailants emerged and opened fire.

“It was an unprovoked attack. The herders were going about their lawful business when the gunmen opened fire on them,” he said.

“Though no herder was killed, six cattle were killed. This act is a clear threat to the safety and livelihood of pastoralists in the area. We have the same right as every Nigerian to go about our lawful activities without fear.

“Within three weeks, we have lost over 60 cattle between Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas.

“This is a disturbing trend of violence against innocent herders who are only trying to earn a living. The continued intimidation of pastoralists must not be allowed to continue. After every attack, we report to security agencies for necessary action,” he added.

Babayo called on the Plateau State Government and security agencies to investigate the attacks, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure justice is served.

He also appealed to members of the association not to take the law into their own hands, stressing that MACBAN remained committed to peaceful coexistence.

When contacted, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Captain Polycarp Oteh, said he would verify the incident and get back to our correspondent but had yet to do so as of press time.

MACBAN has repeatedly accused some youth groups of involvement in attacks on herders, although community and youth leaders in the area have consistently denied the allegations.

Also reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, said he was not aware of the attack but promised to make inquiries and respond accordingly.