Tensions have escalated in Plateau State following a series of violent attacks in which one herder and over 100 cattle were reportedly killed in two separate incidents in Jos South and Riyom Local Government Areas.
According to Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the State Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the first attack occurred on the evening of Tuesday, May 13, in Gero community, Jos South LGA. Armed men suspected to be from the local Berom community allegedly ambushed herders while they grazed their cattle, killing about 70 cows, injuring three herders, and butchering some of the animals for meat.
Babayo said one of the injured herders was receiving treatment at a hospital in Jos, while the other two were admitted to the Military Hospital in Rukuba Barracks.
The second attack took place on the morning of Wednesday, May 14, in Darwat community, Riyom LGA. Babayo claimed that another group of armed men launched a coordinated assault on herders in the area, killing more than 40 cattle, stealing meat from the slaughtered animals, and firing shots indiscriminately.
“There was no provocation,” Babayo said. “They just opened fire. It was clearly coordinated. We no longer feel safe.”
He added that troops from Operation Safe Haven intervened after the Gero attack and arrested three individuals found in possession of meat from the slaughtered animals.
MACBAN expressed concerns that these attacks form part of a disturbing pattern of targeted violence against Fulani herders in Plateau State. Babayo referenced several recent incidents, including an attack in Bisichi earlier in the week where a herder went missing and 41 cattle were rustled.
“We are being killed daily, seemingly to provoke us,” Babayo said. “We urge the government and the international community to take note of what is happening. We remain law-abiding and have advised our members to stay calm, but we are calling on security agencies to act decisively to end these senseless killings.”
Meanwhile, the Berom Youth Movement has denied involvement, describing the allegations as “baseless propaganda” aimed at inciting further tension between the communities.
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, and the Plateau State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement. Security has been heightened in the affected communities as investigations continue.
