Gunmen on Tuesday night attacked herders, killing one and injuring another around Gero community in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau state.

Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), who confirmed the incident to journalists on Wednesday, described it as barbaric.

Narrating the incident, the MACBAN chairman said, “The attack occurred around 8pm in the outskirts of Gero community of Jos South local government area of Plateau state while the victims were returning to their cattle shed in the area.

“The victims had earlier gone to Gero community for shopping, unaware that the terrorists were trailing them and eventually opened fire on them, killing one Zakariya Abdullhai and critically injuring one Jibrin Musa. We have recorded countless attacks and killings in 2025.

“This is one of the many instances where our herders would be gruesomely killed and cattle shot. Two weeks ago, five Fulani herders were attacked at Conoil along Bukuru Expressway and critically injured.

“In December alone, herders in Plateau experienced countless attacks, cattle rustling, and shooting resulting in the death of herders and their cattle.”

The MACBAN chairman accused members of Berom ethnic group of launching the attack, saying it has been reported to security agencies.

Berom denies attack

National President of Berom Youth Moulder- Association (BYM), Barrister Solomon Dalyop, denied the allegation, describing it as unfounded and fabricated.

According to the president, four members of their group were attacked on Tuesday at the mining site.

He further explained that the affected victims from the herding community were shot by their fellow herders who came to attack the miners.

The MACBAN chairman, however, said, “We are not unaware of the efforts of security agencies to maintain peace in Plateau state generally, and we will continue to support such efforts despite resistance by criminal elements.

“We call on security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest the perpetrators of the dastardly attacks. Despite these repeated attacks, we are calling on our members to remain calm and allow security forces to carry out their investigation and ensure the arrest of the perpetrators. We urge all members to remain law-abiding and never take laws into their hands.”

The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3rd Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, had not responded to messages from our correspondent as at the time of filing this report. (Daily Trust)