Fulani cattle owners and herders in Plateau State have suspended the movement of cattle to the Kara Bukuru Livestock Market in Jos South Local Council following a series of attacks on herders and vehicles conveying cattle.

The suspension, which took effect yesterday, will last until October 20, according to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

The decision followed an attack on Sunday in which gunmen reportedly opened fire on herders returning home to Bassa from the market, killing two people and injuring eight others.

It came less than three weeks after another attack on September 20, when gunmen reportedly attacked herders in Kassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Council, killing five and injuring one.

Following the incidents, Fulani leaders, including local government chairmen, Ardos and cattle owners, met in Jos to deliberate on the situation.

In a communique signed by the Plateau MACBAN chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the leaders said the suspension was intended to mourn those killed and reduce further risks to members.

“The meeting unanimously resolved that, as a mark of mourning for those who lost their lives and in the interest of preserving lives, all Fulani cattle owners and herders are directed to suspend the movement of cattle to the Kara Bukuru Livestock Market from 6 October 2026 to 20 October 2026,” the communique stated.

The association called on security agencies to investigate both attacks, identify and prosecute those responsible and strengthen security around the affected routes.

It also appealed for the protection of all citizens irrespective of ethnic background.

The Fulani community, according to MACBAN, reaffirmed its commitment to peace and cooperation with security agencies and urged its members to remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid taking the law into their own hands. (The Guardian)

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