Herder Killed, Cattle Poisoned in Plateau Community

Tragic Incident in Bokkos Local Government Area

On Sunday, a tragic event occurred in the Kira village of Bokkos Local Government Area in Plateau State, where a herder named Yakubu Salisu was allegedly killed while grazing his cattle. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about the ongoing violence affecting pastoralists.

The State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Jos. He stated that the assailants stormed the grazing field and stabbed the victim to death. According to Babayo, the group has informed all the security agencies responsible for maintaining peace in the state.

"The herder was just attacked and stabbed by the assailants," Babayo said. "I called the heads of security agencies including the Police, DSS, and Commander Operation Enduring Peace. I call on security agencies to investigate and arrest the perpetrators of the incident. I also call on our members to remain calm and allow security to investigate the matter."

Cattle Poisoning Incidents in Riyom Local Government Area

In a related development, the youth leader of the Fulani community in Riyom Local Government Area, Abdullahi Yusuf, reported that seven cattle belonging to their members were killed in the Dem Dagom community of Kwi Ward of the LG. This follows a series of disturbing incidents of cattle poisoning recorded within the last 48 hours.

Yusuf detailed the events in a statement on Sunday, highlighting the urgent need for action from various stakeholders. He mentioned that on November 29, 2025, one cow belonging to Sunusi Dalhatu was poisoned to death in the Jol community. Then, on November 30, 2025, six cows belonging to Alh. Biliya Chiroma from Fass were also poisoned to death in the Dem Dagom community of Kwi Ward, allegedly by suspected individuals from the Berom community.

"These repeated attacks on livestock are deliberate acts of sabotage that threaten peaceful coexistence and economic survival," Yusuf said. "Cattle remain the primary means of livelihood for Fulani families, and such targeted cruelty inflicts financial losses."

The Fulani community in Riyom LGA remains committed to peace, dialogue, and lawful conduct. They urge all stakeholders to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves to avoid escalation and protect the hard-earned fragile peace in their area.

Response from the Berom Youth Moulders Association

Responding to the allegations, the President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Solomon Dalyop, acknowledged being informed about the alleged poisoning but emphasized that the claim is subject to investigation.

"Yes, I have been intimated about the alleged poisoning of cow which is subject to forensic examination to ascertain the truth of this claim," Dalyop said. "Secondly, if it's established medically that the cows were poisoned, then security agents be allowed to discreetly investigate the incident to know who (either Fulani or any other person or group) is responsible rather than taking the law into someone's hand in the guise of vengeance on innocent people."

Dalyop added that the association is calling on security agents to address the weighty allegation, which could potentially be a planned attack recently alerted and circulated accordingly.

Ongoing Challenges and Calls for Peace

The recent incidents highlight the deepening tensions between pastoralists and farmers in the region. The loss of livestock not only affects the economic stability of the communities involved but also threatens the fragile peace that has been carefully maintained.

Both the Fulani and Berom communities have expressed their commitment to peaceful coexistence and dialogue. However, the increasing frequency of these incidents suggests that more needs to be done to ensure the safety and security of all residents in the area.

As investigations continue, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including the government, security agencies, and community leaders, to work together to address the root causes of these conflicts and prevent further violence. The well-being of the people in Plateau State depends on a coordinated and compassionate response to these challenges.