Gunmen Kill 3 Herders, 14 Cattle In Fresh Plateau Attack

At least three herders were allegedly killed while two others were injured in a fresh attack around the Bangai community of the Riyom local government area of Plateau State.

MACBAN Secretary in Riyom LGA, Yahaya Musa, confirmed the incident, adding that 14 cattle were also killed while four others were injured in the incident.

Musa explained that the incident occurred around 2:30 pm while the herders were tending to their cattle in the area.

The community condemned the attack and called on security agencies to investigate those responsible and bring them to justice.

The Fulani Community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State strongly condemns the tragic attack that reportedly occurred today, 6 August 2026, at about 2:30 pm, around the Bangai community in Riyom LGA.

The MACBAN Secretary said, “According to information available to the community, the attack was carried out by suspected Berom militias from Anguwan Weren in Rim Ward.

Musa said, “The incident led to the loss of lives, serious injuries, and the destruction of livestock belonging to innocent herders.”

He gave the herders of the area as Ismail Idris, 15, Hamza Aminu, 17, and Jafar Umar, 17, while Ango Ibrahim, 14, and Abdullahi Buhari, 20, sustained injuries and have been taken to the hospital.

He said, “In addition to the human casualties, 18 cattle were reportedly shot, with 14 killed and 4 seriously injured, causing significant economic hardship to the affected families who depend on livestock for their livelihood.”

“We call livelihood. The State Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities are to immediately investigate this incident, arrest anyone found responsible, and ensure they are brought to justice in accordance with the law. Prompt and impartial action is essential to prevent further violence and restore confidence among communities.

“We also ask community members of the affected community to remain calm, avoid retaliation, and allow security agencies to carry out their responsibilities. Lasting peace can only be achieved through justice, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

“The Fulani Community remains committed to peaceful coexistence with all ethnic and religious groups in Riyom Local Government Area and calls on all stakeholders to work together to end the cycle of violence affecting innocent civilians, “he added.

Responding to the allegation, the spokesperson of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, denied it.

Tengwong, in a telephone interview, said they were unaware of any incident and that their members knew nothing about the attack.

Meanwhile, efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command spokesman, SP Alfred Alabo, and the Media Information Officer of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, were unsuccessful, as inquiries from our correspondent went unanswered at press time.