At least 37 cattle were shot dead at Tashek community of Riyom local government area of Plateau state, on Sunday.

According to the state chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the incident occurred around 1: pm.

The latest attack occurred barely a week after a similar incident in Tanjol community, also in Riyom LGA, where gunmen opened fire on herders, leaving two herders injured and five cattle killed.

The chairman described the attack as unprovoked, adding that it was a deliberate move by the perpetrators to achieve a hidden goal.

Babayo said, ?Gunmen stormed the area and started shooting at grazing cattle, leading to the death of 37 cattle and injury of the herders. Immediately after the attack, I called on the sector commander of Operation Safe Haven in Riyom to inform him about the incident and he subsequently deployed troops to the scene to assess the situation.?

The chairman also said he had informed heads of security agencies in the state, including commander OPSH and GOC 3 division, commissioner of police and State Director Security (SDS), about the incident, adding that ?they all acknowledged the report and asked to not take law into our hands as efforts are being done to arrest the perpetrators. ?

Babayo claimed that attacks on herders and their cattle have been a daily routine, saying despite the attacks,? we called on members to remain calm. ?Nobody should take law into their hands. On the latest incident, we are still patient and trusting security to do the needful to bring an end to the crime. Considering the series of attacks, in recent time, we believe it is a calculated attempt to undermine our economy and leave us vulnerable.?

Contacted youth leader in Riyom LGA, Song Bitrus , said, ? I am not aware of the incident. I am just hearing it from you. I am not aware .?

Spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, a security task force maintaining peace in the state, Major Samson Zhakom, did not respond to a message by our correspondent as at press time. (Daily Trust)