13-Year-Old Herder, 36 Cattle Shot Dead in Brutal Plateau Attack

A 13-year-old herder, Abubakar Wada, and 36 cattle were killed when gunmen opened fire on grazing animals around Inzon community in the Fan district of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State. Another 49 cattle are still missing following the attack, which occurred on Tuesday evening.

The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Plateau State, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, said the attack took place as three herders were returning from grazing. He explained that the gunmen ambushed them and opened fire, killing one of the boys while two others managed to escape.

“We have counted over 80 cattle lost — 36 killed and 49 missing. The attack was carried out by Berom people from Fan district,” Babayo alleged. “This is barbaric and unfortunate. The herders and the cattle were passing peacefully without provocation. We urge our members to remain calm and allow security agencies to handle the investigation. Nobody should take the law into their hands.”

MACBAN’s secretary in Barkin Ladi confirmed that all security agencies had been informed of the incident. He added that senior officers, including the Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace, the Divisional Police Officer in Barkin Ladi, and the local Sector Commander, had visited the scene. He also alleged that five cattle were killed in the same area on Sunday, suggesting a pattern of violence.

However, the Berom Youths Moulders Association (BYM) rejected the accusations. Its National President, Barrister Solomon Dalyop, described the claims as false and an attempt to justify further aggression against Berom communities.

“The allegation against our peace-loving people of Nding and Fan District is baseless,” Dalyop said. “We are aware of two attacks carried out by suspected Fulani armed groups on October 6, which led to the death of one Mr. Timothy Ishaku Chollom. Continuous grazing into farmlands and residential areas threatens both human life and food security. Claims of cow killings should not be accepted without evidence.”

The Nigerian Army confirmed that it is investigating the incident. Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations for the 3 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the division has contacted the sector commander in the area for verification and further action.