BLOODBATH IN PLATEAU: Gunmen Kill 3 Teenage Herders, Slaughter 50 Cattle In Fresh Mangu Attack
At least three herders have been killed and 50 cattle shot dead after gunmen attacked a grazing area in Plateau State on Saturday morning.
According to Daily Nigerian, the attack occurred around the Aloghom area of Mangu Local Government Area of the state while the victims were tending to their cattle.
The herding community in the area said several other herders were declared missing after the attack.
The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, in Plateau State, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident, saying 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.”
He identified the victims as Garzali Shaibu, 18; Bashiru Yakubu, 14; and Salim Abubakar, 15.
Coordinator of the Fulbe Fulani Development Association in Mangu LGA, Hashimu Yahaya, described Saturday’s attack as brutal and unprovoked.
MACBAN condemned the attack, describing it as a calculated attempt to cleanse Fulani herders and destroy their means of livelihood in Plateau.
“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,” Babayo said.
He said all relevant security agencies in the state, including the DSS and Operation Enduring Peace, have been informed about the incident.
The attack came just a day after a herder, Yakubu Ishaku, was killed around Nyerwe community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.
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.
