In the Tashek hamlet in Plateau State’s Riyom local government area, at least 37 livestock were reportedly murdered.
Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, who represents 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 soon 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 denounced the attack as unprovoked, claiming that it was a deliberate act by the attackers to achieve a hidden purpose.
According to Babayo, the gunmen attacked the area and began firing at the grazing cattle, killing 37 of them and injuring a herder.
Following the occurrence, he immediately contacted the sector commander of Operation Safe Haven in Riyom to report the issue, prompting the deployment of troops to the area for inspection.
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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 our own hands while efforts to apprehend the offenders were underway.
Babayo claimed that attacks on herders and their cattle have been a daily routine, saying, despite the attacks, “We called on members to remain calm.
“No one should take law into their own hands. On the most recent occurrence, we remain patient and trust security to do what is necessary to put an end to the criminal activity. Considering the series of attacks, in recent times, we believe it is a calculated attempt to undermine our economy and leave us vulnerable.”
“I’m unaware of the occurrence. I only just heard it from you. Song Bitrus, the Riyom LGA youth leader, stated, “I am not aware.”
