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….MACBAN condemns unprovoked attack on Fulani herders —
By Muhammad Tanko Shittu — At least three herders have been killed while others were declared missing on Saturday morning after gunmen attacked them while tending to their cattle around Aloghom area of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
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Members of the herding community in the area also said about 50 cattle were shot dead during the attack.
The incident occurred a day after a herder, Yakubu Ishaku, was killed around Nyerwe community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.
Hashimu Yahaya, Coordinator of the Fulbe Fulani Development Association in Mangu LGA, described Saturday’s attack as brutal, alleging that the victims were killed unprovoked.
He identified the victims as Garzali Shaibu, 18; Bashiru Yakubu, 14; and Salim Abubakar, 15.
Also confirming the incident, the Plateau State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, said gunmen stormed the grazing area and opened fire while the victims were tending to their cattle.
He said, “The herders were just tending to their cattle when suddenly the perpetrators attacked and started shooting sporadically.
“On Thursday, they killed a herder and 18 cattle around Nyerwe. Today, three herders and 50 cattle were killed.
“This is an unprovoked attack because the herders were going about their peaceful activities. It is obvious that it is a calculated attempt to cleanse Fulani herders and destroy their means of livelihood in Plateau.
“We have informed all the relevant security agencies in the state, including the DSS and Operation Enduring Peace.”
Babayo condemned the attack and urged herders in the state to remain calm and law-abiding.
“I call on all herding communities to remain calm as security forces have been informed about the situation. Nobody should take the law into their hands.
“We are calling on all security agencies in the state to investigate those responsible for this incident and ensure justice is done for the victims. This is one too many,” he said.
