37 cattle killed as Plateau insecurity deepens
In a shocking incident on Sunday, at least 37 cattle were shot dead in the Tashek community of the Riyom local government area in Plateau State. The assault, reported by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), occurred around 1 PM, according to association representative Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo.
The attack follows closely on the heels of a similar incident in the Tanjol community, also within the Riyom LGA, where gunmen opened fire on herders, injuring two and killing five cattle. Babayo condemned the latest attack as unprovoked and suggested it was a deliberate attempt by the assailants to achieve ulterior motives.
“Gunmen stormed the area and started shooting at grazing cattle, leading to the death of 37 cattle and injury of the herder,” Babayo recounted. He immediately contacted the sector commander of Operation Safe Haven in Riyom, who dispatched troops to the site to assess the situation.
He further reported that heads of security agencies in the state, including the commander of Operation Safe Haven, the General Officer Commanding the 3 Division, the commissioner of police, and the State Director Security, were informed about the incident. They acknowledged the report and urged against taking the law into their own hands, assuring the public that efforts were underway to apprehend those responsible.
Babayo expressed concern over the frequency of attacks on herders and their livestock, calling it a “daily routine.” He urged community members to remain calm and patient, emphasizing the need for trust in security forces to address the rising violence. He also highlighted that the series of attacks appear to be a calculated effort to undermine their economy and leave them vulnerable.
Meanwhile, Song Bitrus, a youth leader in Riyom LGA, stated, “I am not aware of the incident. I am just hearing it from you.”
However, there is no official statement from the security agencies as to the confirmation of the incident.
Source: Daily Trust
