Gunmen Kill 13 Cows in Fresh Plateau Attack as Herders Come Under Fire in Jos South

Fresh violence has been reported in Plateau State after suspected gunmen attacked herders along Gero Road in Jos South Local Government Area, killing 13 cows and injuring at least 12 others.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening while the herders were grazing peacefully in the area, according to the Plateau State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo.

Speaking to journalists, Babayo described the attack as unprovoked and condemned the assault, warning that such incidents continue to heighten tension in the state.

He said the matter was promptly reported to security operatives attached to Operation Enduring Peace, Sector 6, who later visited the scene to assess the situation.

Babayo urged members of the association to remain calm and resist any form of retaliation, cautioning that the attackers may be attempting to provoke further violence and instability.

A herder who survived the attack, Jabir Abdullahi, recounted that the assailants arrived on motorcycles and began shooting without warning.

“They came suddenly on motorcycles and opened fire immediately,” Abdullahi said. “We had to run for our lives. Many of the cows were killed on the spot, while others were badly injured.”

He maintained that the herders had not caused any disturbance and were engaged in routine grazing activities when the attack happened.

Plateau State has witnessed recurring clashes and attacks in recent years, with security agencies struggling to contain violence affecting farming and pastoral communities.