Tension as 2 herders shot dead in Plateau ambush

Tension has resurfaced in Plateau State following the reported killing of two herders a male and a female on Monday evening near Tahore community in Bokkos Local Government Area.

According to local sources, the victims were ambushed and shot while returning home from Maikatako market on a motorcycle.

The attack has sparked concerns of renewed violence in the region, which has a long history of ethno-religious and communal conflicts.

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Confirming the incident to journalists in Jos, the State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, condemned the attack and called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The MACBAN chairman gave the names of the victims as Umar Sa’idu and Rashida Yakubu.

While condemning the incident, he called on security agencies to take action immediately to prevent further circle of violence in Bokkos general area.

“Soon after the attack, I informed the commander of Operations Safe Haven and GOC 3 division of the Nigerian army about the incident. I also informed state commissioner of police and State Director Security. They all asked us to be patient as they would carry investigation into the matter and warned us against reprisal, “ he said.

Babayo called on members of the Fulani community to remain calm and law-abiding, saying, “We should not take the law into our own hands. Though what is happening to our members is heartbreaking, we trust security forces to be just. We have lost over 100 cattle and herders recently, and now two more members.”

Contacted on the incident, John Apollos Maton Esq, Member Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard, said he was not aware of such incident.

“Our members have not attacked anyone. The only people they engage with are the terrorists that attack our communities. So if they are claiming these people then they are the terrorists that have been attacking us, “
Maton said.

Spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, had yet to respond to an inquiry by our correspondent on the incident.

Daily Trust reports that many people were killed in attacks on villages in Bokkos between March and April.

In response, security forces, including police and soldiers, deployed personnel to restore law and order.

Last week, a security meeting was organized at the instance of Major General Folusho Oyinlola, GOC 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, amid renewed violence in Jos South and Riyom LGAs.