Gunmen kill herder, shoot 21 cattle in Plateau community

Gunmen allegedly attacked herders, killing one and shooting 21 cattle in Diyan village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Speaking to journalists in Jos on Monday, April 27, 2026, State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, identified the deceased as Rabiu Aliyu Ya’u. 

According to him, the attack occurred around 12:00 noon on Sunday, April 26 while the cattle were grazing.

Babayo described the attack as unprovoked, noting that the herders were grazing peacefully.

He added that one herder escaped the attack.

“It is an unfortunate and unprovoked attack. The herders were going about their normal business peacefully when the perpetrators attacked them,” he said.

“They shot 21 cattle. Eight of them died instantly while the remaining ones were critically injured and cannot survive. This act represents a grave violation of human rights and a serious threat to peaceful coexistence in the area. We have the right like any other citizen of Nigeria to go about our lawful activities.

“It reflects a troubling pattern of violence against innocent pastoralists who are only engaged in their lawful means of livelihood. The continued loss of lives and destruction of property is deeply concerning and must not be allowed to persist.”

Babayo called on the state government and security agencies to fulfill their constitutional duty of protecting lives and property, urging them to investigate the attack, arrest the perpetrators, and ensure justice.

The chairman appealed for calm and asked members to remain law-abiding and avoid taking the law into their hands.

“MACBAN remains committed to dialogue and peaceful coexistence as the only path to lasting peace,” he added. 

MACBAN has repeatedly accused Berom youths of being responsible for the attacks, but the National President of Berom Youth Molders-Association, Barrister Solomon Dalyop, has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that its members have no hand in the attack.