Two herders, a man and a woman, were shot dead near the Tahore community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, further fueling concerns about rising tensions in the region.
Local sources within the herding community reported that the victims were returning from the Maikatako market on a motorcycle when they were ambushed and fatally attacked.
Confirming the tragic development, the Plateau State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, told journalists in Jos that the incident occurred in the evening. He identified the deceased as Umar Sa’idu and Rashida Yakubu.
While strongly condemning the killings, Babayo called for swift action from security agencies to avoid a further escalation of violence in Bokkos and surrounding communities.
“Soon after the attack, I informed the commander of Operation Safe Haven and the GOC of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army. I also contacted the Commissioner of Police and the State Director of Security.
“They all advised us to remain calm, assuring us of a thorough investigation and cautioning against reprisal attacks,” he said.
The MACBAN chairman also appealed to members of the Fulani community to maintain peace and trust the process.
“We should not take the law into our own hands. Though what is happening to our members is heartbreaking, we trust security forces to be just.
“We have lost over 100 cattle and herders recently, and now two more members,” Babayo added.
However, when reached for comment, John Apollos Maton, a member of the Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard, claimed no knowledge of the attack.
“Our members have not attacked anyone. The only people they engage with are the terrorists who attack our communities.
“So if they are claiming these people, then they are the terrorists that have been attacking us,” Maton said.
As of the time of this report, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, had not responded to inquiries.
AFRIPOST recalls that several communities in Bokkos LGA were attacked between March and April, resulting in significant loss of lives and property.
In response, security operatives, including military and police personnel, were deployed to restore order.
Just last week, a high-level security meeting was convened by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, amid a fresh wave of violence in Jos South and Riyom local government areas.
