Daily lens Report
Tragedy struck in Plateau State as a 13-year-old herder, Abubakar Wada, and 36 cattle were killed when gunmen opened fire on grazing animals around Inzon community, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred Tuesday evening, also left 49 cattle unaccounted for.
State chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident, saying three herders were returning from grazing when the attackers ambushed them.
> “The gunmen stormed the scene and opened fire, killing one herder and 36 cattle. Two others escaped,” Babayo said.
“We have so far counted over 80 cattle lost — 36 dead and 49 missing. The attackers were Berom youths from Fan District. We call on all herders to remain calm and allow security agencies to investigate.”
He described the assault as “barbaric and unprovoked,” adding that security operatives, including the Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace, the Barkin Ladi DPO, and the Sector Commander, had visited the scene.
However, the Berom Youths Moulders Association (BYM) dismissed the allegations, describing them as “a ploy to justify aggression” against Berom communities.
> “We are peaceful people,” BYM National President, Barrister Solomon Dalyop, said.
“On October 6, suspected Fulani armed men attacked our communities, killing one of our members, Timothy Ishaku Chollom. Forceful grazing into farmlands and residential areas has also continued to endanger lives and food security. Allegations of cow killings without proof should be disregarded.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army said it has launched an investigation into the incident.
Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations, 3 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, confirmed that the sector commander in the area has been contacted for verification.
