At least 37 livestock were reportedly murdered in Plateau State’s Tashek hamlet, located in the Riyom local government area.
Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, representing the state chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), said the event occurred at 1:00 PM.
According to Naija News, the current attack comes just after a similar incident in the Tanjol community, also in Riyom LGA, in which gunmen targeted herders, injuring two and killing five animals.
The chairman criticized the attack as unjustified, claiming that it was a deliberate effort by the attackers to achieve a hidden purpose.
Babayo described how the attackers infiltrated the area and began fire on the grazing cattle, killing 37 and injuring a herder.
Following the occurrence, he immediately contacted the Sector Commander of Operation Safe Haven in Riyom to report the issue, which resulted in the deployment of troops to the spot for inspection.
Furthermore, the chairman stated that he had notified various security agency leaders in the state, including the commander of OPSH, the General Officer Commanding the 3rd Division, the police commissioner, and the State Director of Security (SDS), all of whom acknowledged the report and advised against taking the law into their own hands while efforts to apprehend the offenders were underway.
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Babayo claimed that attacks on herders and their cattle had become a daily occurrence, and that despite the attacks, “We called on members to remain calm.”
“No one should take the law into their hands. Regarding the most recent event, we remain patient and trust security to take the necessary steps to put an end to the crime. Given the current spate of attacks, we believe it is a deliberate attempt to destabilize our economy and make us susceptible.”
“I am unaware of the occurrence. I’m just hearing it from you. Song Bitrus, the youth leader in Riyom LGA, stated, “I am not aware.”
