Gunmen have killed a herder and over 110 cattle in several attacks in two villages in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The, highlight the fragile security situation in the areas long troubled by recurring farmer-herder conflicts, often resulting in the loss of lives and livelihoods.
The State Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, who revealed this, said the attackers invaded the herders while grazing.
Babayo said three herders we4re wounded in the Gero attack, adding that one of the victims is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Jos, while the two others were being treated at Rukuba Barrack Military Hospital in Jos.
“On May 13, 2025, Berom youths from Gero, Ngel District in Jos South, mobilised and attacked cattle rearers, killing about 70 cows.
“They butchered some of the cattle and stole the meat. Troops from the Operation Safe Haven headquarters intervened and arrested three individuals found in possession of meat from the slaughtered cows,” Babayo said.
He further said, “On May 14, 2025, Berom youths in Darwat came in large numbers and began shooting at cattle belonging to our members.
“They killed over 40 cows, butchered some, and made away with the meat. There was no provocation – just like that, they began firing at the animals. It was a coordinated attack. We no longer feel safe. I have informed the GOC 3 Division and the State Director of Security about the situation.
“In the past two weeks, there have been similar incidents where herders and their cattle were targeted. These attacks resulted in both human casualties and livestock theft. On Monday alone, a herder was declared missing and 41 cattle were rustled in Bisichi,” he added.
“We are being killed daily, seemingly to provoke us. We urge the government and the international community to take note of what is happening to us in Plateau State. As law-abiding citizens, we are calling on our members to remain calm. We also appeal to security agencies to end these senseless killings and protect Fulani herders from further attacks,” Babayo said.
But the President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) has denied any involvement, saying, “I’m just hearing this from you,” just as he said the accusations were baseless propaganda aimed at achieving hidden objectives.
“The tactic used by the Fulani is to spread propaganda and falsehood to portray themselves as victims.
“They make such claims to cover up their actions and to tarnish the image of the Berom. There has been no incident of cattle rustling or the killing of Fulani in the area. Our people are law-abiding citizens,” he said.
He said “there was, however, an incident last night in Dajundun, Riyom, where four people were killed by Fulani. I call on the state government to ban open grazing.”
The Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, has denied knowledge of the incident, saying she would verify the claim by contacting the Chairman of Riyom Local Government Area, who was, however, unreachable.
Ramnap said, “Regardless of the situation, the government will never condone any form of criminal activity in the state.
“Anything that threatens our peace will not be taken lightly. This administration will not tolerate any act that disrupts the fragile peace we have on the Plateau.
“We urge residents of the state to remain calm as we continue to consult and work towards finding lasting solutions to these challenges.”
Authorities of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH)-the multi-security task force responsible for maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna states-were yet to respond to enquiries on the latest development as the time of going to press.
