The Plateau State chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has alleged that two Fulani herders were killed in an ambush by suspected local militia in Talma village, Ngel District, Jos South Local Government Area of the state.
The Plateau State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, disclosed this to journalists in Jos on Tuesday, saying the incident occurred on Monday around 8 p.m. while the victims were heading to their cattle pen after grazin
Babayo identified the deceased as 28-year-old Sadiq Muhammad and 29-year-old Mas’ud Abdullahi.
According to him, the attack was unprovoked, insisting that neither the herders nor their cattle had trespassed on any farmland that could have triggered the violence.
He called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible, warning against any attempt to cover up the incident.
Narrating the attack, Babayo said the assailants, armed with dangerous weapons, opened fire on the victims, killing them on the spot.
He further alleged that the attackers later mutilated the bodies, describing the act as part of a recurring pattern of violence against herders in the Gyel District.
Babayo also cited the account of a survivor, Ismaila Haruna, who reportedly escaped the ambush.
According to Haruna, the three men were riding motorcycles to the cattle pen when gunmen suddenly opened fire. He said after they fell, the attackers moved closer and continued shooting at the other two victims, while he managed to flee.
Haruna later reported the incident to security personnel of Operation Enduring Peace, who accompanied him back to the scene to recover the bodies and the motorcycle.
Babayo said the bodies were later handed over to community leaders and family members for burial, while urging members of the association to remain calm and allow security agencies to carry out their investigation.
BACKSTORY…
Tensions between herders and farming communities in Plateau State have remained a recurring source of violence for years, often resulting in deadly clashes, reprisals, and accusations from both sides. The crisis has been fueled by disputes over grazing routes, farmland encroachment, and longstanding ethnic and communal grievances.
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In recent times, several communities in Jos South and surrounding areas have witnessed repeated attacks, deepening mistrust between residents and pastoral groups. Herders’ associations, including Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, have repeatedly raised concerns over what they describe as targeted attacks on their members.
The latest incident in Talma village adds to the growing insecurity in the area, with calls for security agencies to intervene and prevent further escalation. The development also highlights the broader challenge of resolving the persistent farmer-herder conflict in Plateau and other parts of Nigeria.
