Three Young Herders Killed, Two Missing in Plateau Attack

Three Young Herders Killed, Two Missing in Plateau Attack

Three young herders have been killed and two others reported missing after suspected gunmen attacked a group tending cattle in the Aloghom area of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State.

The attack occurred on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in the Sabon Gari district of Mangu, an area that has experienced repeated incidents of violence involving farming and herding communities.

The victims were identified as Garzali Shaibu, 18; Bashiru Yakubu, 14; and Salim Abubakar, 15.

According to reports citing a military situation report, troops of Operation Enduring Peace were alerted after receiving information that herders grazing in the area had come under attack. Soldiers deployed from Sabon Gari subsequently moved to the location and recovered the bodies of the three victims.

Surviving members of the group reportedly told the troops that two other herders were unaccounted for, prompting efforts to establish their whereabouts.

The attack also resulted in significant losses of livestock. A situation report cited by security-focused publication Zagazola Makama put the number of cattle killed at 36, while 12 others were reportedly found with gunshot wounds. Community sources, however, estimated that about 50 cattle were killed in the attack.

The differing figures could not immediately be reconciled, but reports agree that the incident caused substantial losses of livestock belonging to the affected herding community.

Hashimu Yahaya, coordinator of the Fulbe Fulani Development Association in Mangu, identified the three victims and condemned the killings.

The Plateau State chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, also condemned the attack and called for an investigation into the killings.

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Community representatives alleged that the attackers were members of a militia suspected to be operating in the area. That allegation has not been independently established, and the identities of the attackers and their motive remained under investigation.

There were also allegations that security personnel from another agency were present around the area during the incident but failed to intervene. The claim was reported as an allegation and had not been independently verified.

Security personnel reportedly recovered empty tear-gas canisters from the scene as troops intensified patrols and other operations in the area.

The military also warned against any attempt by members of the affected community to retaliate, amid concerns that the killings could trigger further violence between communities.

The latest incident came amid a fresh series of attacks in Plateau State, particularly in Mangu and neighbouring areas.

The state government subsequently condemned fresh attacks recorded in Mangu and a separate attack at Dungus Junction in Jos South Local Government Area, while urging residents to reject reprisals and cooperate with security agencies.

The violence has also occurred against the backdrop of efforts by security agencies and community stakeholders to mediate disputes between farmers and herders.

In Bokkos Local Government Area, for instance, troops of Operation Enduring Peace recently facilitated a settlement between farmers and herders after farms in Dambwash, Danbukor and Fokko were reportedly destroyed. Under the agreement, affected herders paid N4.5 million in compensation to 38 farmers, according to reports citing the military situation report.

Despite such interventions, recurring attacks continue to raise concerns over the security of farming and herding communities in Plateau.

The three slain herders were later buried in Mangu following funeral prayers at the Mangu Central Mosque, with community leaders using the occasion to appeal for calm and government action. Security personnel present at the burial reportedly urged residents to allow investigations into the killings to continue and avoid retaliatory attacks.

The killings have renewed concerns about the vulnerability of young people involved in livestock production and the wider impact of prolonged insecurity on livelihoods in Plateau.

For residents of Mangu and surrounding communities, the immediate concern remains preventing the incident from triggering another cycle of reprisal violence, while security agencies face pressure to identify those responsible, establish the fate of the two missing herders and strengthen protection for communities at risk.

Authorities have not publicly established the identities of the perpetrators, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack remain ongoing.

Three Young Herders Killed, Two Missing in Plateau Attack