Gunmen have reportedly killed 25 cattle in two communities within the Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident to journalists on Tuesday in Jos.
According to him, the attackers stormed the grazing areas and opened fire on the cattle. The herders managed to escape unhurt.
Babayo explained that the first attack happened on Sunday in Lairi Village, while the second occurred on Tuesday in Katang, both in Fan District.
“The attackers invaded while the cattle were grazing, started shooting, and forced the herders to run and abandon the animals,” he said.
He added that he had informed security agencies, including the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, and the Operation Enduring Peace Sector Commander, who visited the scene.
Babayo described the attack as devastating and accused members of the Berom ethnic group of being behind it.
However, the President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Solomon Dalyop, denied the allegation.
“We are not aware of any cattle killings in the Fan area. Berom people are peace-loving and will not engage in such acts. Security agencies must rise to the occasion because armed Fulani herders often frame our people whenever they intend to launch attacks,” Dalyop said.
Efforts to get a response from the spokesperson of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, Major Samson Zhakom, were unsuccessful as of press time.
Meanwhile, Babayo urged herders to remain calm and allow security agencies to handle the investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
