Herder Killed And Over 100 Cattle Slaughtered In Coordinated Attacks

One herder and over 100 cattle were reportedly killed in attacks on herders in Jos South and Jos North local government areas of Plateau State. Gunmen allegedly opened fire on herders while grazing. Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), blamed members of the Berom ethnic group for the violence. However, the Berom Youth Movement denied the claims, calling them propaganda.

The first attack occurred on the evening of May 13 in Gero community, Jos South LGA, and the second on the morning of May 14 in Darwat community, Riyom LGA. Three herders were injured in the Gero attack; one is hospitalized in Jos, while two others are receiving treatment at the Military Hospital in Rukuba Barracks.

“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 said, “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.”

Babayo also revealed that these attacks are part of a disturbing pattern.

“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 added.

“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,” Babayo said.