Tension has risen in Bangai community, Riyom Local Council of Plateau State, following an alleged attack by gunmen that left 21 cattle dead.

The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday evening when the assailants opened fire on herders who were tending their cattle in the area.

The Plateau State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, described the attack as unprovoked and brutal, saying it was the latest in a series of attacks allegedly suffered by herders in the state.

Babayo said the gunmen suddenly opened fire while the herders were attending to their cattle, killing 21 animals.

He condemned the incident as a serious threat to the livelihoods of pastoralist families and called on security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.

“This unfortunate attack is another disturbing example of the repeated destruction of the livelihoods of innocent pastoralists in Plateau State,” Babayo said.

He added that the deliberate killing of livestock, which he described as the primary source of livelihood for many Fulani families, could further threaten peaceful coexistence and heighten tension in the state.

Babayo urged the Plateau State Government, Inspector-General of Police, Commander of Operation Safe Haven, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to immediately investigate the incident.

He also called for increased security around vulnerable pastoral communities and grazing areas to prevent further attacks and protect lives and property, regardless of ethnicity or occupation.

MACBAN appealed to members of the Fulani community to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while cooperating with security agencies investigating the incident.

However, Babayo’s allegation that members of the Berom ethnic group were responsible was rejected by the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM).

The association’s spokesperson, Rwang Tengwang, denied knowledge of the incident and described the allegation as unfounded.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Oteh, acknowledged receiving an inquiry from journalists on the incident and said it was being investigated.