Gunmen Kill 2 Herders, 3 Cattle In Plateau Community

Suspected gunmen have killed two teenage herders and three cattle in a community in Plateau State.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State Chapter, yesterday made the claims in a statement signed by its state chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo.

Babayo alleged that the incident occurred on Saturday evening in Jol village, Riyom local government area.

He gave the names of the victims as Muhammad Sani, 18, and Furuk Bilyaminu, 17.

Babayo said the body of Furuk Bilyaminu is yet to be found, while the attackers also killed three cattle.

He said the herders were grazing at the time they were shot.

MACBAN described the killing as “senseless” and the latest in a series of targeted attacks on his people in the state.

“As a law-abiding group, we have reported the incident to security authorities, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the police and ‘Operation Safe Haven’ (formerly Operation Enduring Peace), for immediate action,” he said.

The association appealed to its members to remain calm and allow security agencies to handle the matter without provocation.

“This isn’t the first time our people have been targeted, and we seek protection and justice. We will not be provoked, but we demand urgent action from state and federal governments to protect our people and livestock,” Babayo added.