Gunmen kill herder, shoot 21 cattle in Plateau attack

Gunmen have attacked herders in Diyan village, Riyom District of Riyom Local Government Area in Plateau State, killing one person and shooting 21 cattle.

The incident occurred on Sunday around midday while the animals were grazing, according to local accounts.

The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Plateau State, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the development in Jos on Monday. He identified the deceased as Rabiu Aliyu Ya’u.

Babayo said one other herder managed to escape during the attack. He described the incident as unprovoked, stating that the victims were carrying out routine grazing when the gunmen arrived.

He said eight of the 21 cattle died immediately after being shot, while several others sustained severe injuries and are unlikely to survive.

He added that the attack highlights continuing risks faced by pastoralists in parts of the state and called for protection of lives and livelihoods.

The association urged security agencies and the state government to investigate the incident, identify those responsible, and ensure accountability. It also appealed to members to avoid retaliation and maintain calm.

MACBAN has previously accused some Berom youths of involvement in similar incidents, an allegation the Berom Youth Molders-Association has repeatedly denied.

As of Monday, security authorities had not issued an official statement on the attack.