In a disturbing development that adds to the already fragile security situation in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, unidentified gunmen reportedly attacked herders and opened fire on grazing cattle in Tashek community, located in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, resulting in the death of 37 cows and injuries to a herder.

The incident, which occurred around 1:00 PM on Sunday, has sparked renewed concerns about the safety of pastoralist communities and livestock in the region. The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) confirmed the attack through its chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, who described it as “unprovoked and targeted.”

“Gunmen stormed the grazing area and started shooting at the cattle. Thirty-seven cows were killed and one herder was injured. We immediately notified Operation Safe Haven and other security agencies,” said Babayo.

This assault comes less than a week after a similar attack in Tanjol community, also in Riyom, where five cows were killed and two herders injured. The frequency of these incidents is heightening fears of a coordinated effort to destabilize herding communities and their livelihoods.

Babayo further alleged that the continuous attacks appear to be a deliberate attempt to cripple the economic base of pastoralists and urged members to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions. He stated that top security officials, including the GOC 3 Division, Plateau State Police Commissioner, and Director of State Security Services, have been briefed and are investigating the matter.

In contrast, the National President of the Berom Youth Movement, Barrister Dalyop Nwantiri, challenged the narrative, suggesting that some armed individuals may be using cattle as shields while perpetrating violence against nearby communities.

“There have been reports of armed men blending into herds to carry out attacks and then using the cattle as cover during confrontations,” Nwantiri alleged.

This back-and-forth has further complicated the security landscape, particularly in Plateau and other conflict-prone regions where farmer-herder clashes continue to claim lives, displace families, and fuel ethnic tensions.

As security agencies work to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice, stakeholders are calling for de-escalation, constructive dialogue, and equitable protection for all communities — herders and farmers alike.