Three young herders have reportedly been killed and about 50 cattle lost in a fresh attack around the Aloghom, Sabon Gari axis of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims were identified as Garzali Shaibu, 18; Bashiru Yakubu, 14; and Salim Abubakar, 15.
Reports said the incident occurred as the victims were tending to cattle in the area, with gunmen allegedly opening fire on them.
The killings have generated outrage and renewed concerns over the fragile security situation in parts of Plateau State, where recurring attacks and retaliatory violence have continued to threaten communities and livelihoods.
Hashimu Yahaya, coordinator of the Fulbe Fulani Development Association in Mangu, described the incident as brutal, while Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, Plateau State chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, also confirmed the deaths.
Babayo said the attackers invaded the grazing area and opened fire on the herders. He claimed that about 50 cattle were also killed or lost during the incident.
A post by Mallam Abdulsalam Ahmad on X had alleged that the victims were killed by Christians and that their cattle were rustled. However, that specific attribution has not been independently established by security authorities or the reports confirming the attack.
The report also warned of possible retaliatory sentiments following the incident, urging residents and affected communities to avoid taking the law into their own hands while security agencies investigate.
The latest incident reportedly came a day after another herder, identified as Yakubu Ishaku, was allegedly killed alongside 18 cattle around Nyerwe in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Babayo called on security agencies to investigate the killings, identify those responsible and bring them to justice, while appealing to herding communities to remain calm and law-abiding.
As of the time of filing this report, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Captain Polycarp Oteh, had reportedly not responded to inquiries concerning the latest attack.
The deaths have once again highlighted the urgent need for authorities to strengthen security in vulnerable communities, prevent reprisal attacks and protect civilians regardless of their ethnic, religious or community background.
Comments
Post a Comment