Gunmen Kill One Herder, Shoot 21 Cattle In Plateau State

Suspected gunmen reportedly killed a herder and shot 21 cattle in Diyan village, Riyom District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, told journalists in Jos on Monday that the deceased was identified as Rabiu AliyuYa’uu.

He said the attack occurred around 12:00 noon while the cattle were grazing.

Babayo described the attack as unprovoked, noting that the herders were grazing peacefully. He added that one herder escaped the attack.

“It is an unfortunate and unprovoked attack. The herders were going about their normal business peacefully when the perpetrators attacked them.

“They shot 21 cattle. Eight of them died instantly, while the remaining ones were critically injured and cannot survive. This act represents a grave violation of human rights and a serious threat to peaceful coexistence in the area. We have the right, like any other Nigerian citizen, to engage in lawful activities.

“It reflects a troubling pattern of violence against innocent pastoralists who are only engaged in their lawful means of livelihood. The continued loss of lives and destruction of property is deeply concerning and must not be allowed to persist,” the Chairman said.

Babayo called on the state government and security agencies to fulfil their constitutional duty to protect lives and property, urging them to investigate the attack, arrest the perpetrators, and ensure justice.

The chaChairmanpealed for calm and asked members to remain law-abiding and avoid taking the law into their hands, stressing that “”MACBAN remains committed to dialogue and peaceful coexistence as the only path to lasting peace”” he said.

MACBAN has repeatedly accused Berom youths of being responsible for the attacks. Still, the National President of Berom Youth Moulders-Association, Barrister Solomon Dalyop, has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that its members have no hand in the attacks.

Meanwhile, spokespersons for Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Oteh, and the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alabo Alfred, had not responded to text messages sent by our correspondent at press time.