Gunmen attacked the Tashek community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing 37 cows and injuring a herder, according to Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, Secretary of the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). The assailants stormed the area around 1:00 p.m., opening fire on grazing cattle in what Babayo described as an unprovoked and deliberate act aimed at achieving a hidden agenda.
Babayo promptly notified the sector commander of Operation Safe Haven in Riyom, who deployed troops to assess the situation. He also informed key security agencies, including the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, the GOC 3rd Division, the Commissioner of Police, and the State Director of Security Services (DSS), urging swift action to address the incident.
This attack follows a similar incident just a week prior in Tanjol community, also in Riyom LGA, where gunmen injured two herders and killed five cattle, highlighting a troubling pattern of violence against pastoralists in the region. MACBAN has condemned the attacks, calling for thorough investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further escalation.
The recurring violence in Plateau State, including a recent attack in Bassa LGA where 36 cows were killed and 42 poisoned, underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect lives, livestock, and livelihoods. Community leaders and security agencies have been urged to foster dialogue and address the root causes of these conflicts to restore peace in the region.
As tensions rise, MACBAN continues to advocate for peaceful coexistence while seeking justice for the losses suffered by herders. Nigerians are called to stand against such acts of violence and support efforts to ensure security and stability in Plateau State.
This is outrageous! Why arent we talking about the loss of animal lives as seriously as human lives? Justice for the cows too!
I cant believe the audacity of those gunmen! Justice must be served for the innocent cows. This is just heartbreaking.
Wow, can we really compare the value of human lives to that of cows? This world is messed up.
I cant believe the audacity of those gunmen! Its heartbreaking to see such senseless violence against innocent animals. Justice must be served.
I cant believe the audacity of those gunmen! Justice must be served for these innocent cows. MACBAN is right to demand justice.
Can we really justify the killing of animals in retaliation for human conflict? Where does the cycle end? #JusticeForAllLivingBeings
This is outrageous! How can anyone justify killing innocent cows? Justice must be served for these senseless acts.
This is just heartbreaking. How can people be so cruel to animals? Justice must be served for these innocent cows.
I cant believe the audacity of those gunmen! Killing innocent cows is just cruel. They should face serious consequences.
This is a clear act of animal cruelty that should not be tolerated. Justice must be served for these innocent cows.
This is outrageous! Why are cows getting more justice than humans? Wheres the balance in this world?
This is outrageous! Justice must prevail for these innocent cows. Who would do such a heartless act? Unbelievable.
MACBANs call for justice may be justified, but do cows deserve more attention than human lives lost? Priorities seem skewed.
I cant believe the audacity of those gunmen! This is unacceptable and justice must be served for those poor cows.