Tension in Plateau: Over 100 Cattle and One Herder K!lled in Alleged Attacks on Fulani Herders

 

The atmosphere in Plateau State has become increasingly tense following a series of violent attacks on Fulani herders in two local government areas—Jos South and Riyom. According to reports, over 100 cattle have been killed and one herder lost his life in what appears to be coordinated assaults allegedly carried out by unknown gunmen.

The shocking incidents were confirmed by Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the State Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), who spoke with Daily Trust. He claimed that members of the Berom ethnic group from the affected communities were responsible for these gruesome attacks.

However, in a swift reaction, the Berom Youth Movement has strongly denied these accusations, calling them propaganda and insisting that the Fulani herders are making baseless claims aimed at inciting conflict.

Breakdown of the Attacks

According to Babayo, the first attack took place on the evening of Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Gero community, located in Jos South Local Government Area. The second attack reportedly happened just hours later, on the morning of Wednesday, May 14, in Darwat community, which is under Riyom Local Government Area.

The victims of these attacks were herders who were simply going about their normal routines, grazing their cattle in the fields. Armed attackers allegedly opened fire on them without warning, resulting in heavy casualties among the livestock and injuries to several herders.

Babayo gave a detailed account of the Gero incident:

“On May 13, 2025, Berom youths from Gero, Ngel District in Jos South, mobilised and attacked cattle rearers, killing about 70 cows.
They butchered some of the cattle and stole the meat. Troops from the Operation Safe Haven headquarters intervened and arrested three individuals found in possession of meat from the slaughtered cows,” Babayo said.

He further described the Darwat attack as even more terrifying and well-coordinated:

“On May 14, 2025, Berom youths in Darwat came in large numbers and began shooting at cattle belonging to our members.
They k!lled over 40 cows, butchered some, and made away with the meat. There was no provocation—just like that, they began firing at the animals.
It was a coordinated attack. We no longer feel safe. I have informed the GOC 3 Division and the State Director of Security about the situation,” he added.

Injuries and Rising Fear

Babayo also confirmed that three herders were injured in the Gero attack. One of them is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Jos, while the other two are being cared for at the Military Hospital in Rukuba Barracks, also located in Jos.

Beyond the immediate tragedy, Babayo expressed deep concern that these attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a worrying trend targeting Fulani herders across Plateau State.

“In the past two weeks, there have been similar incidents where herders and their cattle were targeted.
These attacks resulted in both human casualties and livestock theft.
On Monday alone, a herder was declared missing and 41 cattle were rustled in Bisichi,” he revealed.

Call for Government and International Intervention

Feeling abandoned and unsafe, Babayo passionately appealed to both Nigerian authorities and the international community to pay close attention to the situation unfolding in Plateau.

“We are being k!lled daily, seemingly to provoke us. We urge the government and the international community to take note of what is happening to us in Plateau State.
As law-abiding citizens, we are calling on our members to remain calm.
We also appeal to security agencies to end these senseless killings and protect Fulani herders from further attacks,” he said.

Denial from Berom Youths

While MACBAN points fingers at the Berom community, the Berom Youth Movement has rejected the allegations entirely. In a statement, they dismissed MACBAN’s claims as baseless and inciting, insisting that no Berom youths were involved in any attacks and warning against spreading divisive rhetoric that could inflame existing tensions.

Conclusion

These recent developments have reignited fears of renewed conflict between farmers and herders in Plateau State—a region that has seen its fair share of communal violence over the years. As both sides trade accusations, residents are urging the government to step in urgently and restore peace before the situation spirals further out of control.

NaijaRush will continue to monitor the story and bring updates as they unfold.