The Plateau State branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has reported that three herders were fatally shot in an ambush near Tanjol Village in Riyom Local Government Area on Sunday, July 19, 2026. MACBAN Chairman Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo released a statement confirming the deaths of Abdurrazak Abdullahi, 22, Husaini Idris, 23, and Yusuf Tukur, 19. Two other individuals, Ayuba Adam and Sadi Adamu, sustained serious injuries, and a cow was killed during the confrontation.
Babayo described the incident as an unprovoked attack designed to incite conflict and provoke retaliatory violence. According to the association, the victims were grazing their livestock peacefully between 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. when the assault occurred. MACBAN has called upon the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and Operation Enduring Peace to launch a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the matter.
The organization cautioned against premature conclusions and inflammatory public statements that could heighten regional tensions. They emphasized the need for accountability and adherence to the rule of law to break the cycle of violence in Plateau State. MACBAN urged community leaders and media outlets to avoid rhetoric that undermines security efforts and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peaceful coexistence while awaiting the results of the official inquiry.
