News
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
News
Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau
Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Gallant troops of the Nigerian Army’s 33 Artillery Brigade have launched a major offensive against terrorist and bandit hideouts in Dajin Madam Forest, straddling Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau State, destroying several camps and neutralising two armed criminals during successive encounters.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation commenced at about 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 8, 2026, with troops advancing into the forest in a coordinated offensive against criminal elements operating within the area.
During the operation, the troops successfully cleared several terrorist camps across five identified locations within the forest, denying the criminals access to their established hideouts and support infrastructure.
The troops subsequently destroyed and burnt the terrorists’ life-support structures, including facilities believed to have sustained their presence and operations in the forest.
The offensive gathered momentum at about 3:41 p.m. when troops made contact with the armed bandits at another location within the forest.
The soldiers engaged the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
Evidence of the effectiveness of the engagement was indicated by bloodstains observed along the bandits’ withdrawal routes, suggesting that some of the fleeing criminals might have sustained gunshot injuries.
Undeterred, the troops continued exploiting the general area, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of ammunition, communication equipment, mobility assets and other logistics.
Items recovered included 135 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, PKT ammunition links, two motorcycles, two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), two communication radios and four mobile phones.
The troops also recovered three woodland and desert camouflage uniforms, two Keystone camouflage uniforms and other sundry items believed to be associated with the activities of the criminal group.
In a further demonstration of sustained combat pressure, the troops made another contact with the fleeing bandits at about 6:30 p.m. during a pursuit operation.
The soldiers engaged the criminals, neutralising two bandits close to Kukawa village in Kanam Local Government Area.
Two additional motorcycles were also recovered during the encounter.
Following the successful engagements, the troops moved to a harbour position at Kukawa, where they continued to maintain their operational presence in the area.
The operation represents a significant offensive against armed criminal networks using the Dajin Madam Forest corridor as a hideout, with the destruction of their camps, recovery of ammunition and logistics, and the neutralisation of two bandits further disrupting their operational capabilities.
The sustained advance by the troops also illustrated the Nigerian Army’s determination to deny terrorists and bandits safe havens in the forests linking Kanam and Wase, while maintaining pressure on fleeing elements.
Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau
ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo
By: Zagazola Makama
An inspection team from the ECOWAS Force Headquarters and Army Headquarters has assessed the operational readiness of Nigeria’s ECOWAS standby force at Naquora Barracks in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the team, led by Brig.-Gen. Sheikh Sulaiman Massaquoi, visited the barracks on Nov. 7, 2026, to evaluate the troops’ preparedness for possible deployment.
The team received briefings on troop readiness, training and administrative matters, and witnessed demonstrations on roadblock operations and crowd dispersal.
Massaquoi commended the troops for their performance and urged them to sustain high standards of professionalism, discipline and physical fitness.
The inspection visit ended without any incident.
ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt and rescued a gunshot-wounded victim along the Rafin Sanyi axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 6 OPEP, deployed at Sopp, responded to a distress report at about 9:40 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, after suspected kidnappers blocked the road in the area.
The swift intervention of the troops reportedly forced the criminals to flee before they could carry out their operation.
The troops subsequently combed the area and rescued one occupant of a Sharon vehicle who had sustained a gunshot wound.
The victim was evacuated to the Nigerian Army Medical Outpost at Tigi, where he received first aid treatment.
Troops have continued to dominate the general area through fighting patrols to prevent the criminals from regrouping and forestall further attacks.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau
Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle, Discover Suspected Bandit’s Corpse in Old Oyo National Park
ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo
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