Gunmen Kill 3 Herders, 50 Cattle In Plateau

At least three herders tending to their cattle around the Aloghom area of Mangu local government area of Plateau State were on Saturday killed while others were declared missing.

Members of the herding community in the area also said 50 cattle were shot dead during the incident.
The latest attack came a day after a herder, Yakubu Ishaku, was killed around Nyerwe community in Barkin Ladi LGA of the state.

Coordinator of the Fulbe Fulani Development Association in Mangu LGA, Hashimu Yahaya described the attack as brutal, noting that the killings were unprovoked.

He gave the names of the victims as Garzali Shaibu (18), Bashiru Yakubu (14), and Salim Abubakar (15).
Also confirming the incident, the state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, said gunmen stormed the grazing area and opened fire while the victims were grazing.

He said, “The herders were just tending to their cattle when suddenly the perpetrators attacked, 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 be 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.

Meanwhile spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, Captain Polycarp Oteh could not be reached for comments at the time of filing this report.