25-Year-Old Herder Killed as Criminals Attack in Plateau

Suspected cattle rustlers have shot dead a 25-year-old herder, identified as Safiyanu Abubakar, and killed one cow in an attack at Gora Village in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 1, while the herder was grazing his cattle in the area.

Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation Enduring Peace, reportedly responded to a distress report and proceeded to the scene, where they found Abubakar dead from gunshot wounds.

The troops also discovered that one cow had been killed, while another sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.

The assailants had fled before the arrival of the security personnel.

The deceased’s body and the affected cattle were subsequently evacuated and handed over to members of his family.

Security sources said intelligence-gathering efforts had been activated to track down the attackers and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

They added that efforts were also underway to engage Fulani leaders in Jos East LGA and calm tensions to prevent possible reprisal attacks.

The killing comes amid continuing security concerns over attacks on herders, cattle rustling and retaliatory violence in parts of Plateau State.

Security agencies have continued to urge communities to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands and provide credible information that could assist investigations.
The circumstances of the attack and the identities of the perpetrators remain under investigation.