Fresh tension has erupted in Plateau State following two coordinated attacks by gunmen who allegedly opened fire on herders and rustled no fewer than 168 cattle across Barkin Ladi and Jos East local government areas on Wednesday evening.
Abuja Network News gathered that the armed men first struck in Nding community, Fan District of Barkin Ladi LGA, where herders were reportedly ambushed while grazing. The attackers were said to have shot sporadically, forcing the herders to flee as 137 cattle were carted away.
A second incident occurred in Kukukah community of Jos East LGA, where the rustlers allegedly escaped with 34 cattle before three were later recovered. Those affected include Alhaji Wada Sale, Abdullahi Yusuf, and Alhaji Talba Abubakar.
Speaking to journalists, the Plateau State Chairman of MACBAN, Nuru Abdullahi, condemned the incidents, describing them as deliberate and coordinated acts aimed at destabilizing pastoral communities. He called on the Police, DSS, Operation Enduring Peace, and the Nigerian Army to launch a full-scale investigation and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
However, the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) has dismissed the reports, insisting that no such rustling occurred in the Nding axis. The group described the claims as misleading and capable of generating unnecessary tension.
Meanwhile, the 3rd Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army, through Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations Lt.-Col Aliyu Danja, confirmed receiving the intelligence and said operational commanders and field investigators had been notified for immediate follow-up.
The latest incidents add to growing concerns over rising banditry, cattle rustling, and communal mistrust across Plateau State, with residents calling for tighter patrols and proactive security deployment to avert further attacks.
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