Two Herders Ambushed, Killed In Plateau

At least two herders were killed in an ambush in Talma village, Ngel District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The herding community said the incident occurred as the victims headed for their cattle pen around 8pm on Monday.

State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident to journalists in Jos, the state capital.

The state MACBAN chairman gave the names of the victims as Sadiq Muhammad (28) and Mas’ud Abdullahi (29).

He described the attack as unprovoked and called on security forces to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

“The perpetrators shot them several times, resulting to their deaths. They removed eyes for an offence the victims did not commit. This act of terrorism has become an everyday occurrence, especially in Gyel District. Herders can no longer graze or move freely without being attacked or killed,” Babayo said.

Ismaila Haruna, one of the survivors of the attack, described his escape as a narrow one.

He said, “Three of us were riding motorcycles, heading to the cattle pen, when suddenly gunmen opened fire indiscriminately and we all fell down. My colleagues died instantly. Luckily, I narrowly managed to escape and reported the incident to personnel of Operation Enduring Peace.”

Haruna added that after reporting the incident to the security operatives, they escorted him to the scene of the attack and recovered the remains of the victims and the motorcycle.

“After returning to the headquarters of the operation, the bodies were released to our leaders and families for burial,” he said.

The State MACBAN chairman, however, called on members to remain calm and allow the security agencies to investigate the incident.

“I am calling on all members to remain calm and never take the law into their own hands. We should all be law-abiding citizens,” Babayo said.

Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Alabo Alfred, had not responded to text and WhatsApp messages by our correspondent regarding the incident as of press time. (Daily trust)