The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has accused local gunmen of killing two Fulani herders and injuring over 20 cattle in an attack on Tuesday in Butura district, Bokkos Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the state chairman of MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, identified the deceased herders as Muazzam Aminu and Shapi’iu Abdullahi.
He alleged that they were ambushed and killed without provocation while returning from grazing. According to Babayo, the assailants opened fire on the herders and their cattle, leaving 10 cows dead and several others injured.
Babayo stated that the incident was promptly reported to security authorities, including the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the General Officer Commanding the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, and the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS).
While they reportedly promised to take action, no arrests or concrete measures had been taken as of the time of the statement.
However, he confirmed that the commander of OPSH’s Sector 5, responsible for maintaining peace in the area, visited the attack site on Wednesday before the victims’ funeral prayers were held.
Expressing concern over rising tensions, Babayo urged Fulani herders and MACBAN members in the community to remain calm and avoid reprisal attacks.
He emphasised the need for authorities to swiftly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice to prevent further escalation of violence.
The attack comes amid lingering tensions between herders and farming communities in Plateau State, where clashes over land and resources have frequently led to bloodshed.
MACBAN’s appeal for restraint highlights the fragile security situation in the region, with calls for improved intervention by security agencies to prevent further cycles of violence.
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