Gunmen attacked herders in Tanjol community, Riyom local government area of Plateau state on Saturday morning, injuring two and killing livestock, state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, has said.
According to Babayo, the two injured herders have been admitted and receiving treatment in a hospital in Barkin Ladi.
He explained that the attack occurred shortly after the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and his Humanitarian Affairs colleague, Nentawe Yilwatda, visited Zikke community in Bassa LGA to condole with residents over the recent killings.
He said the herders were grazing their cattle when gunmen opened fire.
“Two herders, Adam Abdullahi and Bilyaminu Alhassan, sustained gunshot wounds and are receiving treatment at Sauki Hospital in Barikin Ladi,” he said.
The attack also left two sheep and a cow dead, while four others sustained bullet wounds.
Babayo said the incident has been reported to the GOC of the 3 Division, the DSS, and the sector commander of NSCDC in Riyom, who had visited the scene and urged members to remain calm and allow security agencies to investigate to ensure justice.
Similarly, a youth leader in Riyom, Song Bitrus, also confirmed the incident, stating the need for residents not to retaliate.
“Just last week, two people were killed in an ambush. We’re calling for increased security presence,” he stated.
This attack comes amid a wave of violence across Plateau state, including deadly assaults in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs.