Tensions Escalate in Plateau as Herder Goes Missing, Cattle Rustled in Series of Attacks
A herder identified as Abdulrazak Yusuf has reportedly gone missing following a violent incident in the Bisici community, Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the development, stating that 41 cattle were rustled during the attack which occurred on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Speaking to journalists, Babayo said a search operation carried out by security personnel on Tuesday yielded no positive results, although the missing herder’s clothing was discovered in a nearby bush. He disclosed that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, had been informed of the situation.
The MACBAN chairman accused vigilante members and Berom youths from Bisici of being behind the attack, an allegation that has since been denied by the Berom Youths Moulder Association (BYM).
“On the 12th May 2025, vigilante and some Berom youths from Bisici mobilized and attacked a Fulani community, rustling about 41 cattle. A Fulani boy, Abdulrazak Yusuf, is still missing. Soldiers from Sector 4 went to search for him this morning (Tuesday), but only found his clothes,” Babayo said.
He added that the same day, a similar incident occurred in Diyan village where five cows were killed on the spot and about 112 cows rustled. Intervention by soldiers from Sector 6 reportedly led to the recovery of 102 cows.
Further escalating tensions, Babayo highlighted earlier incidents including the rustling of 18 cows on May 8 by alleged Berom youths in Farin Lamba, Jos South LGA, and the fatal beating of a Fulani boy, Yahaya Sale, by youths in Gwarim village, Riyom LGA on May 7.
Reacting to the allegations, the President of the Berom Youths Moulder Association (BYM), Dalyop Solomon, refuted MACBAN’s claims, describing them as “propaganda.”
He explained that the flush-out operation in Bisici was a coordinated effort by conventional security forces and local vigilantes aimed at dislodging unidentified Fulani settlers, and that Berom youths did not participate.
“In Bisici, the operation was led by security agents and the Ardo of the area. This could not have included Berom youths as alleged. MACBAN should rather caution its members instead of spreading disinformation,” Solomon said.
He acknowledged an incident involving cattle rustling in Diyan village but said Berom natives had helped security agents recover the stolen cows, accusing MACBAN of twisting the facts instead of showing appreciation.
Meanwhile, Solomon raised concerns over a separate incident that occurred on Monday night, where a 24-year-old Berom youth, Dauda Joshua, from Tanchol village in Gyel District, Jos South LGA, was reportedly ambushed and shot dead by unknown militants on Gero Road.
As both communities trade accusations, tensions continue to rise in Plateau State, with renewed calls for peace, transparency, and stronger security interventions to prevent further bloodshed and cattle-related violence.
