two herders and 150 cattle killed in Latest plateau attack

In a tragic turn of events in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, two herders and over one hundred cows were reportedly killed in what appears to be a reprisal attack.

According to a community leader in Kwal district, Ezekiel Bini, who spoke to The PUNCH in Jos on Saturday, the incident occurred following the killing of a man by suspected herders the previous day. The victim, who had lost his wife and children to suspected herders in 2021, was attacked and killed while on his farm.

Bini explained, “During his burial the next day on Wednesday, some people who were angered by the development might have suddenly went on a rampage and attacked the herders on sight in retaliation leading to the death of the victims and the cows.”

The state chairmen of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN), Nura Abdullahi and Garba Abdullahi, expressed grief over the incident, confirming the loss of over 100 cattle during the attack.

Garba Abdullahi stated “The herders were tending to their cattle around 9 am on Wednesday, then some gunmen appeared and started shooting. They shot two herders dead and also killed over 200 cattle. We are still yet to ascertain the full extent of the damage because the incident occurred in a remote area that is difficult to access without security operatives. We have suffered a significant loss.”

Calls for action from security agencies were echoed by Garba, emphasizing the need for intervention to prevent further atrocities. However, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, did not respond to inquiries about the incident at the time of reporting.

The circulation of graphic images depicting the slaughtered cattle and the young man killed by suspected herders has sparked outrage on social media. Residents have condemned the attacks, urging perpetrators to embrace peace in the area and across the state.