Gunmen launched coordinated attacks on herders in two Plateau State communities on Wednesday evening, carting away no fewer than 168 cattle in Barkin Ladi and Jos East local government areas.
The State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incidents on Thursday, describing the attacks as “unprovoked” and “deeply troubling.”
According to Babayo, the first raid occurred around Nding community in Fan district of Barkin Ladi, where 137 cattle belonging to three herders — Alh. Wada Sale, Abdullahi Yusuf, and Alh. Talba Abubakar — were driven away by armed men.
A second attack followed in Kukukah community of Jos East, where 34 cattle were rustled; however, three later returned on their own.
Babayo recalled alerting security agencies immediately after the attacks, including the DSS, Operation Enduring Peace, and the Police, urging them to swing into action.
He said the gunmen invaded the grazing areas on December 10, opened fire on the herders, and fled with the cattle, forcing the herders to flee for safety.
“It is unfortunate that while the herders were carrying out their lawful business, some troublemakers would attack them,” he lamented.
MACBAN has appealed for calm among its members as authorities investigate the incidents.
Berom Youth Deny Rustling Report
However, the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) countered MACBAN’s claims, insisting that no cattle rustling occurred in the Nding area on the day in question.
BYM’s National President, Barrister Solomon Dalyop, described the allegation as “false” and a “calculated attempt” to stir tension.
“For years, our people in Fan have made it clear that Fulani should not graze in areas that do not have approved grazing routes,” he said.
“We were shocked to hear claims of cattle rustling. From our findings, nothing of such happened.”
Dalyop insisted that only security agencies can ascertain the truth through an independent investigation.
Army Begins Preliminary Checks
Reacting to the report, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3rd Division, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the matter would be forwarded to the sector commander and intelligence units for appropriate action.
As conflicting accounts emerge from both communities, security agencies are expected to intensify efforts to clarify the situation and prevent escalation of tensions in the affected areas.
