Fresh violence has erupted in Plateau State after three herders were killed and two others injured in an attack around Tanjol community in Riyom Local Government Area.

According to community sources, the victims were grazing their cattle on Sunday afternoon when gunmen ambushed them, killing three on the spot and injuring two others. One cow was also reportedly killed, while another sustained injuries during the attack.

The deceased were identified as Abdurrazak Abdullahi (22), Husaini Idris (23), and Yusuf Tukur (19). The injured were named as Ayuba Adam and Sadi Adamu.

Reacting to the incident, the Plateau State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, condemned the killings and described the attack as unprovoked. He called on security agencies to investigate the incident, arrest those responsible, and ensure they are prosecuted.

Babayo also appealed to members of the herding community to remain peaceful and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

However, the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) dismissed MACBAN’s allegations against the Berom ethnic group, insisting the account was misleading.

The association claimed the deceased were among armed attackers who invaded Jol community but were repelled by local vigilantes. It further alleged that a resident, Thomas Damang, 48, was killed during the confrontation, while three others sustained injuries.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement as investigations into the incident continue. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.