A 15-year-old herder, identified as Sadi Aliyu, has been killed in an attack around Sabon Gidan Kanar community, Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

The Plateau State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident to journalists in Jos on Saturday.

He also disclosed that 13 cattle were killed during the attack, while 11 others remain missing.

According to Babayo, the incident occurred while the herders were grazing their cattle when gunmen suddenly stormed the area and opened fire on them. He condemned the attack, describing it as unprovoked.

He said: “The victim, alongside his colleagues, was tending cattle when the gunmen attacked them. They killed one herder and 13 cattle. About 11 cattle are still missing.”

“The continuous targeting of innocent herders and their livestock is unacceptable and poses a serious threat to peaceful coexistence and security in Plateau State.”

The MACBAN chairman further disclosed that the incident had been reported to the Bukuru B Division of the Nigeria Police and Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace.

MACBAN called on security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing, arrest those responsible, and ensure they are brought to justice.

The association also urged governments at all levels to take proactive measures to protect the lives and property of all citizens, regardless of their ethnic or occupational background.

The group appealed to members of the Fulani community and other affected persons to remain law-abiding and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, while allowing the relevant authorities to carry out their responsibilities.

Babayo stressed that: “The association remains committed to peace, dialogue, and lawful means of addressing grievances. However, we insist that justice must be served for the late Sadi Aliyu and for all victims of violence across Plateau State.”

The spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Auta, had yet to respond to inquiries from our correspondent regarding the incident as of press time. (Weekend Trust)