The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has cried out over a deadly attack in Barikin Ladi Local Government Area, where one herder and 25 cows were reportedly killed.
Chairman of MACBAN in Plateau State, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, disclosed this to journalists in Jos on Thursday. He said the attacks happened in two separate locations within the Fan District of the local government area.
According to Babayo, gunmen attacked the herders while they were grazing their cattle, opening fire and killing both the animals and one of the herders instantly. Another herder who was declared missing after the attack was later found dead close to the scene.
He said the first attack took place on Sunday in Lairi village, and the second occurred on Tuesday in Katang village, all within the Fan District.
“This is a sad and devastating incident. A young herder was killed and about 25 cows were shot dead for no reason. Another herder who went missing was later found dead in the bush near where the attack took place,” Babayo said.
Babayo alleged that members of the Berom ethnic group were behind the attacks. He did not provide evidence but said the pattern of violence and the locations pointed in that direction.
He said MACBAN had reported the incident to relevant security agencies, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army in Rukuba Barracks, as well as the Plateau State Commissioner of Police.
“We have informed the security authorities about what happened, and we expect them to act fast to stop further violence and ensure justice for our people,” he said.
Plateau State has witnessed repeated clashes between herders and farmers, often fuelled by land disputes, cattle grazing, and ethnic tensions. Barikin Ladi, in particular, has been a flashpoint for violence over the years, with several deadly incidents recorded.
The herders, mostly of Fulani origin, have long claimed that they face attacks while trying to graze their animals, while indigenous farming communities accuse the herders of destroying their crops and invading farmlands.
Efforts by government and community leaders to resolve these disputes have had limited success, and the cycle of violence continues in some parts of the state.
MACBAN has appealed to the federal and state governments to take swift action and prevent further attacks. Babayo called on both communities to remain calm and avoid retaliation.
“We don’t want revenge; we want justice and protection. Our people are tired of burying their loved ones and losing their means of livelihood,” he added.
As of the time of this report, security agencies have not released an official statement regarding the incident.
