Armed gunmen attacked herders grazing cattle in Jol community on Tuesday afternoon. Six cattle were shot dead during the incident in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, who chairs the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Plateau, confirmed the attack on Wednesday. He spoke to journalists in Jos about what happened around 4:30 p.m.
According to Babayo, the herders managed to escape safely despite the gunfire. None of them were injured in the assault.
Babayo characterized the shooting as completely unprovoked and senseless. "The herders were going about their lawful business when the gunmen opened fire on them," he told reporters.
He stressed that pastoralists deserve the same rights as all Nigerians. "We have the same right as every Nigerian to go about our lawful activities without fear," Babayo noted.
This attack is part of a troubling pattern in the region. Over 60 cattle have been lost in three weeks across Barkin Ladi and Riyom areas alone.
Babayo described the escalating violence as a serious threat to herders' safety and income. He warned that the intimidation of pastoralists cannot continue unchecked.
He called on the Plateau State Government to act immediately. Security agencies must investigate these attacks, arrest the culprits, and ensure accountability, he demanded.
MACBAN also urged its members to remain calm and avoid taking revenge. The association remains committed to peaceful cohabitation, Babayo emphasized.
Captain Polycarp Oteh speaks for Operation Safe Haven, the military taskforce in the state. He promised to verify the incident but hadn't responded as of Wednesday evening.
MACBAN has repeatedly blamed certain youth groups for the violence against herders. Community leaders and youth associations in the area have consistently denied these allegations.
Rwang Tengwong, spokesperson for the Berom Youth Moulders Association, said he hadn't heard about the attack. He promised to investigate and respond with findings.
