One herder and over 100 cattle have reportedly been k!lled in a series of attacks on herders in two villages in Jos South and Jos North local government areas of Plateau State.
The attacks were allegedly carried out by gunmen who opened fire on herders while they were grazing.
Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the State Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), confirmed the incidents and accused members of the Berom ethnic group from the affected communities of being behind the attacks.
However, the leadership of the Berom Youth Movement has denied the allegations, dismissing them as propaganda.
The first attack occurred on Tuesday evening May 13, in the Gero community of Jos South LGA, while the second took place on Wednesday morning, May 14, in the Darwat community of Riyom LGA.
According to Babayo, three herders sustained injuries in the Gero attack. One of the victims is currently receiving treatment at a Hospital in Jos, while two others are being treated at the Military Hospital in Rukuba Barracks, Jos.
“On May 13, 2025, Berom youths from Gero, Ngel District in Jos South, mobilised and attacked cattle rearers, killing about 70 cows.
“They butchered some of the cattle and stole the meat. Troops from the Operation Safe Haven headquarters intervened and arrested three individuals found in possession of meat from the slaughtered cows,” Babayo said.
He further said, “On May 14, 2025, Berom youths in Darwat came in large numbers and began shooting at cattle belonging to our members.
“They k!lled over 40 cows, butchered some, and made away with the meat. There was no provocation-just like that, they began firing at the animals. It was a coordinated attack. We no longer feel safe. I have informed the GOC 3 Division and the State Director of Security about the situation.”
Babayo also revealed that these attacks are part of a disturbing pattern.
“In the past two weeks, there have been similar incidents where herders and their cattle were targeted. These attacks resulted in both human casualties and livestock theft. On Monday alone, a herder was declared missing and 41 cattle were rustled in Bisichi,” he added.
“We are being k!lled daily, seemingly to provoke us. We urge the government and the international community to take note of what is happening to us in Plateau State. As law-abiding citizens, we are calling on our members to remain calm. We also appeal to security agencies to end these senseless killings and protect Fulani herders from further attacks,” Babayo said.
