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37 Cattle Killed In Rampant Attacks on Pastoralists in Plateau
37 Cattle Killed In Rampant Attacks on Pastoralists in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
In the heart of Plateau State, the shadow of insecurity looms ever larger over its rural communities, where the livelihood of pastoralists hangs in the balance. The recent savage attack on livestock in Tashek Community, Riyom Local Government Area, which left 37 cattle dead, serves as yet another grim reminder of the violence that continuously plagues these pastoral communities.
The devastating incident occurred around 1 p.m. on a seemingly ordinary Sunday, yet it has exacerbated fears among local herders, pointing to the escalating threat they face not just from the elements of nature, but from what security agencies described as unidentified assailants who strike at will. The Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ibrahim Babayo, characterized the attack as “unprovoked” and a deliberate attempt to destabilize their livelihoods.
“These killings are not random; they are part of a broader scheme designed to undermine our economy and leave us vulnerable,” Babayo asserted, as he urgently appealed for more decisive action from security agencies. His calls joined a growing chorus that challenges the effectiveness of the government and response agencies tasked with ensuring the safety of citizens in the region.
As local herders grapple with these recurrent assaults on their cattle, the responses from security agencies have been disheartening. Although security agencies were dispatched to assess the situation promptly after the incident, such reactions have become routine and often insufficient in addressing the underlying issues of insecurity in Plateau State. The attackers, frequently cited as “unknown gunmen,” remain anonymous in official narratives, despite the strong belief among local residents that these individuals are not strangers to their communities.
The implications of these killings extend beyond the immediate economic consequences for pastoralists. Each attack fosters an atmosphere of fear and mistrust, compelling community members to reconsider their daily routines and livelihoods. Pastoralists, who have long contributed to the agricultural value chain, find themselves forced into a corner, struggling to maintain their way of life amidst growing hostility.
Contrastingly, voices from other community factions echo a narrative that further complicates the situation. Barr. Dalyop Nwantiri, National President of the Berom Youth Movement, suggests that herders use their livestock as shields during conflicts, alleging that armed herders sometimes blend into the cattle to launch surprise attacks on communities. “It’s a vicious cycle that perpetuates engagement and heightens tensions,” he stated, a sentiment that underscores the urgent necessity for reconciliation and dialog among all stakeholders.
This cycle of violence raises pressing questions about the adequacy of governmental response. Amidst ongoing assaults, residents and advocates are calling for comprehensive strategies that extend beyond mere condemnations, investigation or reassurances of security by government of pleateau. They demand proactive measures to identify and apprehend the perpetrators who remain entrenched within the communities they terrorize.
“They are known in the communities,” Babayo stated emphatically. “Yet, despite this knowledge, we see little to no action to bring them to justice.” The irony of labeling the attackers as unknown when they are often familiar faces only heightens frustrations among local pastoralists, who feel that their pleas for protection go unheard.
As pastoralists in Plateau State endure the throes of violence that threatens their existence, a unified and determined effort from government and security agencies is more crucial than ever. The silence surrounding these recurring attacks must be broken; it is time for action, accountability, and a reinvestment in the security frameworks that protect all citizens. It is not just the fate of herders at stake, but the overall stability and prosperity of the region as a whole. Because, you only get to hear a different story when reprisals are carried out. The time to act is NOW.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
37 Cattle Killed In Rampant Attacks on Pastoralists in Plateau
UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has said the principles of the United Nations Charter offers guidance to Nigeria and other African countries bedeviled by terrorism and other violent conflicts.
The message was given by the Director-General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of United Nations.
Ochogwu said: “Today, October 24, 2025, marks exactly 80 years since the entry into force of the United Nations Charter. As the world commemorates this historic milestone, we are reminded of the enduring vision of the Charter to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, and promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. This vision remains profoundly relevant to Africa and to Nigeria, where the pursuit of peace, justice, and inclusive development continues to shape our collective aspirations.
“In today’s complex and rapidly changing security environment, the principles of the Charter, namely sovereign equality, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international law offer essential guidance. Across Africa, the persistence of violent conflicts, terrorism, and governance challenges underscores the urgent need to strengthen multilateral cooperation, preventive diplomacy, and mediation capacities. Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and her experience in regional peacekeeping and conflict resolution affirm our commitment to these ideals and to the transformative role of international law in sustaining peace and security.
“The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) stands as a bridge between national policy and global peace initiatives. We reaffirm our partnership with the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, and other stakeholders to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and institution-building. In this decade of action, we must deepen investments in peace infrastructure, youth empowerment, and cross-border cooperation to realize the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
He added that: “As we look to the future of the United Nations in Africa, the challenge before us is clear: to make peace sustainable, justice accessible, and security inclusive. The continued faith of Member States and communities in the principles of the UN Charter is an enduring source of hope for a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous continent.”
UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts
How Nigeria’s Ancient Storytelling Traditions Shape Modern Identity.
By Fathia Adenike
The heartbeat of Nigeria’s bustling cities and quiet villages lies ìtàn a Yoruba word meaning “story” or “history” a powerful force shaping cultural identity. Across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic landscapes Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa,and beyond. Storytelling isn’t just tradition; it’s a living bridge connecting past, present, and future.It’s an Oral Threads of Heritage,From moonlit Yoruba folktales whispering òrìṣà deeds to Igbo elders recounting ancestral proverbs, Nigeria’s oral traditions transmit values, wisdom, and belongings. These stories embed moral codes, communal bonds, and cosmological maps that ground Nigerians amid rapid change. Ancient myths seep into contemporary Nigerian life. Olókun’s oceanic power meets Lagos’ tech-driven streets; Ọṣun’s fertility echoes in art exploring feminine resilience. Writers like Chinua Achebe Things Fall Apart and Ben Okri The Famished Road weave such mythic threads into explorations of identity, disrupting colonial ruptures.
Today, Nigerian storytelling leaps into digital realms. Podcasts like “The Nairaland Podcast and Twitter threads” retelling folklore showcase ìtàn’s adaptability. Social media becomes a virtual àbù̀ (drumbeat), amplifying voices across Nigeria’s youthful diaspora.
Ìtàn fosters cultural resilience. As Nigeria navigates urbanization, migration, and tech disruption, these stories offer anchors. They articulate collective memory, mediate conflict, and nurture belonging across ethnic lines Igbo, Yoruba.
Hausa in a nation of profound diversity.In Nigeria’s mosaic, ìtàn remains a vital pulse reminding Nigerians, globally, of roots nourishing identity’s complex, beautiful branches. ìtàn remains an irreducible heartbeat reminding Nigerians globally of identity’s deep, branching roots nourishing complex beauty. As Nigeria braids tradition with cutting edge innovation, these stories transmute into luminescent beacons, diachronistic continuity. Resonating poignantly in diaspora conversations spanning oceans.
Echoing vibrantly in Nigeria’s creative expressions celebrating Ultimately, ìtàn transcends mere retrospection; it dynamically sculpts Nigeria’s unfolding narrative vectors. These andaren’t antiquarian tales; they’re heritage-infused blueprints propelling Nigeria’s stories into uncharted tomorrows narratives carrying ancestral essence into modernity’s unspooling scroll. ìtàn brings identity filaments, affirming storytelling as Nigeria’s quintessential cultural DNA.
How Nigeria’s Ancient Storytelling Traditions Shape Modern Identity
ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture
LAGOS, NIGERIA – October 11, 2025 — Nigerian sportswear brand, ShightVault is making bold strides in redefining the culture of movement and style in Africa. The brand recently led a major collaboration with the Èkó Runners Club, hosting a vibrant community event themed “RUNWITHLAGOS” at The Finery, Ikoyi.
The activation brought together over 280 guests, including more than 140 runners who took part in a 5KM morning run through the heart of Lagos. The day unfolded into a full lifestyle experience, from yoga sessions and high-intensity training classes to ice baths, networking, food, drinks, and friendly competitions, blending wellness and urban culture in one energetic celebration.
At the center of it all was ShightVault, showcasing its limited-edition collaborative run-fit, a sleek performance line that sold out quickly at the venue.
Speaking at the event, Riches Efe Arhiakpore, Executive Director of ShightVault, described the collaboration as a reflection of the brand’s growing vision:
ShightVault is more than a sportswear label, it’s a movement. This collaboration with Èkó Runners Club represents how we want to connect fashion, fitness, and community. We’re open to working with more run clubs across the country and internationally as we expand our reach in both the sports and fashion industries.
The event was powered by key sponsors including KNGSMN, Pocari Sweat, ZoneX, Red Bull, and Glacee Table Water, alongside partners who helped deliver one of Lagos’ most engaging fitness activations of the year.
As ShightVault continues to grow beyond Nigeria’s borders, the brand is positioning itself as a global voice for African sportswear innovation, bridging performance, design, and cultural expression in every stride.
ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture
UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts
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