A herder and more than 100 cattle have reportedly been killed in a series of violent incidents targeting herding communities in Plateau State. The attacks occurred in two separate locations—Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas—sparking renewed tension in the region.
According to reports, unidentified gunmen opened fire on herders while they were grazing their livestock. Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the State Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), confirmed the incidents, alleging that members of the Berom ethnic group were responsible.
However, the leadership of the Berom Youth Movement has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and inflammatory propaganda.
The first attack took place on the evening of Tuesday, May 13, in Gero, a community in Jos South LGA. A second assault occurred the following morning, Wednesday, May 14, in Darwat, located in Riyom LGA. Babayo reported that three herders were injured in the Gero incident—one is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital in Jos, while two others are being treated at the Military Hospital in Rukuba Barracks.
Babayo said, “On May 13, 2025, youths from the Berom ethnic group in Gero, Ngel District, attacked herders and killed approximately 70 cows. Some of the cattle were butchered, and the meat was taken. Troops from Operation Safe Haven intervened and apprehended three suspects found in possession of the stolen meat.
“On May 14, 2025, Berom youths again launched an assault, opening fire on cattle belonging to our members. Over 40 cows were killed. Some were slaughtered on the spot, and the meat was carted away. There was no provocation—this was a deliberate and coordinated act of aggression.
“We are no longer safe. I have reported the matter to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and the State Director of Security.”
Babayo also expressed concern that these incidents are part of a larger, troubling trend.
“In the last two weeks, we have witnessed a spike in targeted attacks on herders and their livestock. These attacks have not only resulted in livestock losses but have also led to the death and disappearance of herders. Just this past Monday, a herder went missing and 41 cattle were rustled in Bisichi.”
“We are being killed daily, seemingly in an attempt to provoke a reaction. We call on the government, security agencies, and the international community to pay attention to the plight of Fulani herders in Plateau State.
“We urge our members to remain calm and law-abiding. At the same time, we appeal to the authorities to urgently intervene and halt these senseless killings.”