Two herders and over 100 cows were killed in a reprisal attack in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to Ezekiel Bini, a community leader who spoke with the PUNCH, a young man was killed by suspected herders the day before the incident.
Bini explained that the next day, some people who were angered by the development attacked the herders on sight, leading to the death of the victims and the cows.
He said:
“What happened was that a man whose wife and children were earlier killed by suspected herdsmen in 2021 had gone to the farm on Tuesday. He was attacked and killed by the same suspected herders.
“During his burial the next day on Wednesday, some people who were angered by the development might have suddenly went on a rampage and attacked the herders on sight in retaliation leading to the death of the victims and the cows.”
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The incident was also confirmed by the state chairmen of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN), Nura Abdullahi and Garba Abdullahi.
The herders were tending to their cattle around 9 am on Wednesday when some gunmen appeared and started shooting.
Garba Abdullahi said:
“They shot two herders dead. They also shot over 200 cattle. We are yet to ascertain the full extent of the damage because the incident occurred in a remote area that is difficult to access without security operatives. We have suffered a significant loss.
“It is high time for security agencies to take action against the atrocities being committed against our people. Whenever we are attacked, security agencies always ask us to remain calm. This is an attempt to annihilate us, as it was an unprovoked attack. We are calling on security agencies to come to our aid.“
