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