The Chairman of Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim. Yusuf Babayo, has revealed that at least 37 cattle were shot dead at Tashek community of Riyom local government area of state, on Sunday.
Babayo said the killing took place around 1: pm.
The latest attack took place seven days after a similar one in Tanjol community, also in Riyom LGA, where gunmen opened fire on herders, leaving two herders injured and five cattle killed.
He said the attack was deliberate and not unprovoked.
The MACBAN chairman said “gunmen stormed the area and started shooting at grazing cattle, leading to the death of 37 cattle and injury of the herder. Immediately after the attack, I called on the sector commander of Operation Safe Haven in Riyom to inform him about the incident and he subsequently deployed troops to the scene to assess the situation .”
He said he had reported the matter to the heads of security agencies in the state, including commander OPSH and GOC 3 division, commissioner of police and State Director Security (SDS), about the incident, adding that “they all acknowledged the report and asked to not take law into our hands as efforts are being done to arrest the perpetrators. “
According to Babayo, the attacks against herders and their cattle were happening daily, saying despite the attacks, “we called on members to remain calm. Nobody should take law into their hands. On the latest incident, we are still patient and trusting security to do the needful to bring an end to the crime. Considering the series of attacks, in recent times, we believe it is a calculated attempt to undermine our economy and leave us vulnerable.”
The youth leader in Riyom LGA, Song Bitrus, said he was not aware of the incident, adding that “I am just hearing it from you. I am not aware.”
The spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, a security task force maintaining peace in the state, Major Samson Zhakom, has not reacted to the attack as he did not respond to a message by our correspondent as at press time.
