Herder, 18 cattle shot dead in Plateau

Gunmen have killed a herder, Yakubu Ishaku, and about 18 cows in Nyarwai Village, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. According to the herding community, the attack occurred at about 1 pm on Wednesday, while the herders were tending their cattle in the area. Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), confirmed the incident to journalists in Jos. While condemning the incident, the chairman of the association described the attack as “one too many”, saying it represents another painful loss of innocent life and means of livelihood. MACBAN said such attacks further threaten the peace and harmony that citizens of the state desire. The group called on security agencies to investigate the attack immediately, apprehend those responsible, and ensure they are brought to justice in accordance with the law. It stressed that the cycle of violence must not continue without accountability. MACBAN further urged the Plateau State Government to intensify efforts to protect the lives and property of all law-abiding citizens, irrespective of ethnic or religious background. The association reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence and called on members of the Fulani community to remain calm, avoid retaliation, and cooperate with security agencies during investigations. The Chairman called on members of the group to be law-abiding and never take the law into their own hands, as the incident had been reported to security agencies. The association also expressed condolences to the family of the late Ishayaku and sympathized with the owner of the cattle over the loss, praying that Almighty Allah grants the deceased eternal rest. The spokesperson of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Oteh, did not respond to inquiries as of press time.