Two pastoralists—a man and a woman—were fatally shot on Monday evening while riding a motorcycle back from Maikatako market to their camp in the Tahore area of Bokkos Local Government Area of the Plateau State.
Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Plateau, confirmed the killings and identified the victims as Umar Sa’idu and Rashida Yakubu.
Babayo condemned the attack as “a blatant violation of both the law and basic human decency” and urged security agencies to intervene swiftly to prevent further bloodshed.
“Immediately after learning of the ambush, I notified the commander of Operation Safe Haven, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, the state commissioner of police, and the State Director of Security,” he said.
“They have assured us of a prompt and thorough investigation, and cautioned against any acts of reprisal.”
Babayo appealed to Fulani communities across Plateau to refrain from taking matters into their own hands.
“Although the pain of losing livestock and members of our community is grievous—we’ve lost over 100 cattle and several herders in recent weeks—we must remain calm and trust the security forces to deliver justice.”
In contrast, John Apollos Maton, a representative of the Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard, denied any involvement by local youths and suggested that “terrorist elements” might be responsible for both the attacks on herders and recent assaults on villages in the area.
Between March and April, insurgent raids claimed dozens of lives in Bokkos villages, prompting joint deployments of police and military personnel.
Last week, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, GOC of 3 Division and commander of Operation Safe Haven, convened a high‑level security meeting following renewed violence in Jos South and Riyom LGAs.
As investigations continue, MACBAN and community leaders remain on alert, calling for enhanced patrols and rapid response to safeguard vulnerable rural routes.
