Fulani herdsman shot dead and 15 of his cattle killed in Plateau State raising fears of crisis escalation

UNKNOWN gunmen have shot a Fulani cattle herdsman dead and killed 15 of his cows in Rafin-Bauna community of Iregweland in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State in what could lead to an escalation of attacks.

Over recent years, Fulani herdsmen have been involved in bloody clashes with farming communities across Nigeria as they move their livestock across farmland. These cattle eat crops, infuriating local communities and in response to opposition, the heavily-armed herdsmen have launched bloody attacks, leaving hundreds dead.

Plateau State like the rest of Nigeria's middle belt have been one of the worst affected parts of the country, as hundreds of villages in the area have been affected. Terna Tyopev, a spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, said that the incident happened at about 5.30 pm yesterday.

According to Mr Tyopev, two Iregwe youths were also attacked and severely injured at about 6 pm yesterday while returning from a mining site in the Gyero community. He added that the two injured youths were receiving treatment at Enos Hospital, Miango, while an investigation was ongoing to unravel those behind the acts.

Mr Tyopev said: “At about 17.30 hours we received information that a Fulani man was killed and 15 of his cows slaughtered by gunmen suspected to be Iregwe people at Rafin-Bauna village of Bassa Local Government. We are yet to ascertain the name and address of the slain victim.

“Similarly, two Iregwe youths while returning from a mining site at Gyero were attacked by armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen and as a result sustained various degree of injuries.”

Other states across Nigeria's middle belt like Benue and Taraba have been the scenes of brutal clashes between herdsmen and farmers lately. In a bid to address the crisis, the government has drafted troops into the area and is looking to come up with a comprehensive livestock policy.