MACBAN's Babayo Confirms Teenage Herder's Killing in Plateau

On October 1, 2026, a teenage herder was ambushed and killed while peacefully rearing cattle around 2:00 p.m. near Wereng Village in Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State. Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), described the attack as unprovoked and condemned the violence against innocent herders, including minors.

This incident occurred amidst heightened tensions in Plateau, where previous attacks in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Bokkos had resulted in numerous fatalities among farmers and herders. Despite the government's imposition of a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the affected areas, violence persisted.

Babayo urged security agencies to investigate the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice, while also calling for the Plateau State Government and Operation Safe Haven to enhance community protection efforts. He emphasized MACBAN's commitment to peace and coexistence, urging residents to avoid reprisals and allow security forces to fulfill their duties.

Captain Polycarp Oteh, spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, did not respond to inquiries regarding the incident.