Herdsmen Attacked, Cattle Killed in Plateau Community by Gunmen

Gunmen have reportedly attacked herders and killed livestock in the Izovo community, located in the Miango district of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State. The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) confirmed the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon.

According to the state MACBAN chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the attack was carried out while herders were grazing their cattle. The assailants allegedly opened fire, prompting the herders to flee, after which the cattle were killed using machetes and firearms. Babayo stated that the incident has been reported to the relevant security agencies.

Babayo expressed that the attack poses a threat to the pastoralists' livelihoods and could jeopardize ongoing peace initiatives within the state. He emphasized that cattle rearing is a vital source of income for many families and that any violence targeting it constitutes a serious offense.

He urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the assault and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, warning that a lack of action could escalate tensions.

The association also advised herders to maintain calm and permit security agencies to manage the situation. Furthermore, MACBAN appealed to community leaders and other stakeholders in the Bassa Local Government Area to foster peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms.

Efforts to get a response from Captain Polycarp Oteh, spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, via WhatsApp were unsuccessful at the time of this report.