The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has alleged that five Fulani youths were shot and seriously injured on Saturday evening in Jos South Local Government Area of the state. The group claimed the attack was carried out by suspected Berom militias and described it as unprovoked and criminal.
The allegation was made by the Plateau State Chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, in a statement issued on Monday. According to him, the incident occurred on December 27, 2025, along the Bukuru Express Road, near Angul D, close to a filling station.
Yusuf said the five youths were returning from the Bukuru Cattle Market, also known as Kara Market, when they were attacked. The market is one of the major cattle trading centres in the area and is often visited by traders, herders, and buyers from different communities.
According to the statement, the victims were inside a vehicle and approaching the Angul D Filling Station when the attackers suddenly opened fire on them. Yusuf said there was no provocation and that the youths were simply travelling back after their business at the market.
“The victims were ambushed and shot without any form of provocation,” Yusuf said. “All five sustained serious gunshot injuries.”
The victims were identified as Abubakar Aji, Idi Saleh, Sulaiman, Nura Muhammad Detta, and Dabo Abubakar. Yusuf said security agents later arrived at the scene and rushed the injured youths to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for urgent medical treatment. As of the time of the statement, they were said to be in critical condition.
MACBAN strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless act against innocent civilians. The association called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
“We strongly condemn this senseless and criminal act against innocent civilians,” Yusuf said. “We call on relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the incident, identify the perpetrators, and ensure they are brought to justice.”
He also appealed to the Plateau State Government to step up security measures, especially along major roads and commercial routes. According to him, improved security would help prevent further attacks and protect the lives of all residents, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
Plateau State has a long history of communal tensions, often linked to land ownership, farming activities, and grazing routes. Over the years, clashes between farming communities and pastoral groups have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of people.
Jos South Local Government Area, where the alleged attack took place, has experienced several episodes of violence in the past. Although there have been periods of calm, incidents like this continue to raise fears among residents and travellers.
MACBAN said the shooting of the five youths was not an isolated case. Yusuf warned that such attacks were part of a recurring pattern of violence against Fulani travellers and pastoral communities across Plateau State.
He said continued failure to address these incidents could worsen the situation and lead to reprisal attacks. According to him, allowing such crimes to go unpunished could further inflame tensions between communities and threaten peace in the state.
“Continued inaction may fuel anger and lead to further violence,” Yusuf warned. “This is why it is important for the authorities to act quickly and fairly.”
The association stressed that Fulani people living and travelling in Plateau State are law-abiding citizens who deserve protection like every other Nigerian. Yusuf said attacks based on ethnic identity must not be tolerated in a democratic society.
The incident has sparked concern among residents and traders who use the Bukuru Express Road regularly. The road is a major route linking several communities and markets, and it is often busy with commercial and private vehicles.
Some residents expressed fear that insecurity along the route could affect business activities and movement. Traders worry that repeated attacks could discourage people from attending markets, leading to economic hardship for many families.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the allegation. Security agencies are yet to confirm the identities of the attackers or provide details on any arrests.
In recent years, both state and federal governments have introduced various security measures to address violence in Plateau State. These include the deployment of security forces, peace meetings between community leaders, and calls for dialogue among ethnic groups.
However, groups like MACBAN argue that more needs to be done, especially in protecting travellers and rural communities. They believe that early response to security threats and fair enforcement of the law are key to preventing further violence.
Community leaders and civil society groups have also called for restraint and dialogue following the incident. They have urged residents to avoid taking the law into their hands and to allow security agencies to handle investigations.
Observers say that lasting peace in Plateau State will require sincere efforts from all sides, including government authorities, traditional rulers, youth groups, and community leaders. Addressing long-standing grievances and promoting mutual understanding are seen as important steps toward peace.
For now, attention remains on the condition of the injured youths and the response of security agencies. MACBAN says it will continue to engage with authorities to ensure justice is served and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The alleged shooting has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in parts of Plateau State and the urgent need for sustained efforts to protect lives and promote peaceful coexistence among all communities.