Gunmen kill 8 cattle in fresh attack in Barkin Ladi, Plateau

Gunmen on Thursday afternoon killed eight cattle and injured several others in a fresh attack in Yarwei Village, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, LGA, of Plateau State.

State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the attack on Friday in Jos, describing it as unprovoked.

Babayo said herders were tending to their cattle when the gunmen stormed the area and began shooting sporadically. The herders escaped unhurt.

In a statement, he said: “Plateau State Chapter of MACBAN strongly condemns the unfortunate killing of eight cows and the shooting of several others by suspected Berom militias at Yarwei Village in Fan District of Barkin Ladi LGA on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

“According to reports available to the Association, eight cows were killed on the spot, while many others sustained gunshot injuries during the attack. This incident is deeply disturbing, particularly as the area has experienced a period of relative calm.

“We are concerned that this act has the potential to undermine the fragile peace that communities in Barkin Ladi LGA have been striving to maintain. Violence against pastoralists and their means of livelihood only increases tension and threatens peaceful coexistence.

“MACBAN therefore calls on the Plateau State Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to immediately investigate this incident, identify those responsible, and ensure they are brought to justice. Accountability is essential to preventing further violence.”

MACBAN appealed to members of the Fulani community to remain calm, exercise restraint, and avoid taking the law into their own hands while authorities carry out their responsibilities.

*Berom group denies involvement*  

The Berom Youth Moulders Association, BYM, led by Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, has denied involvement in the killing of the cattle.

In a statement, BYM spokesperson, Rwang Tengwong, said: “BYM wishes to state unequivocally that the allegation is premature, speculative and unsupported by any credible investigation.

“It is regrettable that MACBAN has once again rushed to assign blame to the Berom people without allowing security agencies to establish the facts. Such reckless accusations have, in the past, heightened tensions and preceded attacks on innocent indigenous communities.

“The Association recalls that the location mentioned by MACBAN is among areas where security agencies have directed that grazing activities should not take place because they serve as buffer zones.

“This raises serious questions as to why cattle were taken into the prohibited area. Security agencies must investigate who violated this directive and determine the actual circumstances surrounding the incident,” BYM said.