Two teenage herders were killed on Saturday by suspected assailants around Jol village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state said the victims were attacked while grazing cattle. He added that three cattle were also shot dead during the incident.

Condemning the killings, the MACBAN chairman described the attack as unprovoked, noting that it occurred “less than 48 hours after an armed militia group brutally ambushed and killed three innocent herders along the Dorowa-Jong road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.”

Narrating the incident, he said, “MACBAN is bringing to the notice of the general public yet another senseless attack against our members, resulting in the death of two herders.

“The latest attack took place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, when the same militants attacked two teenage herders around Jol village of Riyom LGA. The victims are Muhammad Sani and one Furuk Bilyaminu. The perpetrators also killed three cattle which the victims were grazing. They were killed and buried in shallow graves but we were able to identify one corpse together with security agencies and the other one is yet to be located.

“Despite the series of stakeholders meeting on the peace process by the GOC, attacks continue on our members.”

He said the association had reported the incident to security agencies, including the DSS, Police and Operation Enduring Peace.

“We call on our members to remain calm and law-abiding, allowing security agencies to handle the situation. This isn’t the first time our people have been targeted, and we seek protection and justice. We will not be provoked, but we demand action from state and federal governments to protect our people and livestock. We know that the troops are doing their best so we should allow them to investigate,” he said.

The spokesperson of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, confirmed the incident and said troops had been deployed to the scene.

“The command was informed about the incident and troops have been deployed to the scene. Troops were at the scene of the attack. We will investigate and find those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice. The GOC is not happy about what’s happening and will do everything possible to ensure peace in Plateau despite the efforts of bad elements who are bent on creating confusion. The GOC is warning all criminals to stay away from the state,” he said.

MACBAN accused members of the Berom community of being responsible for the attack.

However, the Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, denied the allegation, stating that the group was not aware of any such incident.

The latest attack highlights ongoing security concerns in parts of Plateau State, with renewed calls for measures to prevent further violence. (Daily Trust)

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