Plateau state chairman of Meyyiti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), said two herders were confirmed killed on Monday at Kwal area of Bassa local government area of the state.
Military authorities, in charge of Operation Safe Haven (OPHS), in the State have also confirmed the incident though could not give figures.
MACBAN Chairman, Malam Nura Abdullahi, said: “two boys herding the cows were killed. The corpse of one boy was seen, while that of the other one was not seen, but piece of his cloth and blood stains were seen.”
“One Shehu Saeedu, was confirmed dead. The other boy Mubarak Ahmad is still missing.
Abdullahi said they have reported to the police.
“The Police divisional officers of Bassa and Kuru are all aware of it,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPHS), Major-General, Augustine Agundu, said; “It was true that cows were killed and rustle along Jos South and Bassa LGA’s.”
“It is painful that with all the efforts that we are doing such thing is happening. It is barbarism and animosity.
“If community leaders are doing good work, why should cows that are just grazing be attacked, killed and rustle on the field,” he said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Plateau State Command, DSP Tyopev Terna, couldn’t comments on the matter.
“Okay I will get back to you,” he said.
Similarly, the chairman of Irigwe , one of the communities David Chinge, said he was not aware of the 300 cattle killed.
“I was not aware of the 300 cattle killed. All I know we were called today by the commander sector 6, Col. Hassan, that 11 cattle were killed on Monday.
“Apart from that one, I am not aware of the 300 killed. We as a people condemned the act and called on both Fulani and Irigwe to live in peace.
“I also call on Fulani to keep off from the restricted areas where grazing is banned,” Chige added.
