Gunmen kill two herders in Plateau

Herders in Plateau State have called for justice after two of their members were reportedly killed by gunmen in a fresh attack, days after three herders were reportedly killed in a similar incident.

In a statement issued in Jos on Sunday, the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ibrahim Babayo, said the latest attack occurred on Saturday when gunmen attacked two teenage herders near Jol village in Riyom Local Government Area.

According to him, the victims, 18-year-old Muhammad Sani, and 17-year-old Furuk Bilyaminu, were grazing cattle when they were attacked. He added that three cattle were also killed during the incident.

Babayo condemned the killings, alleging that the attackers were militants.

“Less than 48 hours after three innocent herders were ambushed and killed along the Dorowa-Jong road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, MACBAN is bringing to the notice of the general public yet another attack against our members, resulting in the death of two herders.

“The latest attack took place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, around Jol village of Riyom LGA. The victims are Muhammad Sani, 18 years, and Furuk Bilyaminu, 17 years, whose corpse is still missing. The perpetrators also killed three cattle being grazed by the victims,” he said.

The MACBAN chairman urged members to remain calm and law-abiding, allowing security agencies to handle the situation.

“This isn’t the first time our people have been targeted, and we seek protection and justice. We will not be provoked, but we demand action from the state and federal governments to protect our people and livestock,” he said.

Babayo added that the association had reported the incident to security agencies, including the Department of State Services, the police and Operation Enduring Peace, for immediate action.

Efforts to get a reaction from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls to the command’s spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, were not answered.

The incident underscores ongoing security concerns in parts of Plateau State and renewed calls for measures to prevent further violence.