Two herdsmen were killed in Talma village, Ngel District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Monday, June 22, 2026. The victims were heading to their cattle pen around 8 pm when they were ambushed by gunmen.
MACBAN Chairman Condemns Attack
The State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, described the attack as unprovoked. He called on security forces to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Babayo identified the victims as Sadiq Muhammad, 28, and Mas’ud Abdullahi, 29.
“The perpetrators shot them several times, resulting in their deaths. They removed eyes for an offence the victims did not commit. This act of terrorism has become an everyday occurrence, especially in Gyel District. Herders can no longer graze or move freely without being attacked or killed,” Babayo said while speaking with journalists in Jos, as reported by Daily Trust.
Survivor Recounts Narrow Escape
Ismaila Haruna, one of the survivors of the attack, described his escape as narrow. “Three of us were riding motorcycles, heading to the cattle pen, when suddenly gunmen opened fire indiscriminately, and we all fell down. My colleagues died instantly. Luckily, I narrowly managed to escape and reported the incident to the personnel of Operation Enduring Peace,” Haruna said. He added that security operatives escorted him to the scene and recovered the remains of the victims and the motorcycle.
Call for Calm and Investigation
Babayo urged MACBAN members to remain calm and allow security agencies to investigate the incident. “I am calling on all members to remain calm and never take the law into their own hands. We should all be law-abiding citizens,” he said.
The attack is part of a pattern of violence against herders in Plateau State. In a previous incident, gunmen ambushed and killed three herdsmen in the Barkin Ladi area. Those victims were attacked while returning home from Qur'an Tafsir in the Dorowa community. Berom community leaders denied involvement and called for a thorough investigation.
In another incident in Benue State, four people were killed in an ambush by suspected armed herdsmen. The local government chairman noted increased ambush tactics due to security presence in the area. The state Police spokesperson had not confirmed the incident as of the report.
