Gunmen Attack Herders in Plateau State, Leaving Three Dead

Armed attackers have reportedly killed three herders along the Dorowa-Jong road in the Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State.

Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the state chair of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), provided confirmation of the incident, which occurred on Thursday evening.

According to Babayo, the victims were ambushed while riding motorcycles on their way back to Jong community after participating in a Qur'an Tafsir session in Dorowa, which typically takes place from 4 p.m. to around 5:30 p.m.

He stated, “The ambush occurred around 7 p.m. after they attended the Qur'an Tafsir. It was an unprovoked attack as the victims were not involved in grazing at the time.”

In a brutal act, the assailants shot the victims and decapitated one of them. Babayo condemned the attack, alleging it was carried out by individuals from the Berom community, who have a history of violence against members of his group.

“This attack is part of a pattern with our people being targeted and killed without any consequences. We demand an investigation into these incidents and justice for the victims. This isn't the first time such attacks have occurred, and we ask both state and federal authorities to ensure the protection of our community and our livestock. Security forces, including soldiers and the Divisional Police Officer of Barkin Ladi, have visited the site of the incident,” Babayo added.

He further urged his association's members to maintain calm and allow security agencies to manage the response to the situation.

Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, confirmed the incident, stating that the command was informed around 11 p.m. on Thursday and dispatched officers to the location.

Captain Oteh indicated that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 3 Division has expressed serious concern regarding the incident and promised to pursue the assailants, announcing that an investigation is underway.

He appealed to the affected families to remain composed while the security forces conduct their inquiry.

The allegations directed at the Berom community were met with denial from Solomon Dalyop, the National President of the Berom Youth Moulder Association. He refuted claims that there exists a custodial group within their community.

Dalyop challenged the assertion made by MACBAN’s chair, questioning how they could identify the attackers as Berom without confirming their arrests. He suggested that the attackers, possibly guided by malicious intent, might have mistaken their victims for Berom individuals.

“Whenever armed Fulani militants prepare to aggress innocent civilians, there are always accusations aimed at particular ethnic groups, instead of allowing an independent investigation to take place. I urge relevant authorities to hold Miyetti Allah accountable for any actions taken against our people,” Dalyop concluded.