Over 100 Cattle Killed, One Herder Dead in Plateau Amid Renewed Violence

A fresh wave of coordinated attacks in Plateau State has left one herder dead, several others injured, and over 100 cattle slaughtered, escalating tensions in Jos South and Riyom Local Government Areas (LGAs) already burdened by longstanding farmer-herder conflicts.

The incidents, which occurred between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning (May 13–14, 2025), have triggered renewed fears of communal unrest and retaliatory violence in the region.

According to Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State chapter, the first attack took place in Gero community, Jos South, where suspected armed men invaded grazing fields, opened fire on herders, and slaughtered approximately 70 cows.

“They butchered some of the cattle and carted away the meat. Troops from Operation Safe Haven intervened and arrested three suspects in possession of the meat,” Babayo said.

Three herders reportedly sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment in Jos medical facilities, including the Military Hospital at Rukuba Barracks.

The second attack occurred on May 14 in Darwat village, Riyom LGA, where over 40 additional cows were killed.

“There was no provocation. It was a coordinated and unprovoked attack. We no longer feel safe,” Babayo added.

Babayo accused members of the Berom ethnic group of orchestrating the violence, though leaders of the Berom Youth Movement have denied involvement, labeling the claims as misinformation.

A third related incident was also reported in Bisichi village on Monday, May 12, where 41 cattle were rustled and one herder was declared missing, fueling fears of escalating attacks on Fulani communities in the region.

“These killings are happening almost daily, seemingly to provoke us. We call on the government and the international community to take note and intervene,” Babayo said.

While urging security agencies to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators, MACBAN has called on its members to remain peaceful and avoid reprisals.

“We are committed to peace, but these attacks are pushing our people to the brink. The authorities must act swiftly,” the association stressed.

As of the time of this report, the Plateau State Police Command had not yet issued an official statement regarding the attacks.