Five Fulani herders have been confirmed dead after gunmen attacked the vehicle conveying them along the Kassa axis of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims were reportedly travelling from Bokkos Local Government Area to the Kara Cattle Market in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, when they came under attack.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State chapter, alleged that the victims were ambushed by individuals it described as Berom militias.
According to the association on Sunday, the attack occurred while the five men were travelling along the route for their legitimate business activities.
MACBAN identified the deceased as Buhari Yusuf, Aminu Ahmad, Nasiru Abdullahi, Gambo Abubakar and Muhammad Abdul Rahman.
The association, in a statement signed by its Plateau State Chairman, Ibrahim Babayo, said the incident had plunged the families of the victims and the wider Fulani community into mourning.
Preliminary reports indicated that the attackers opened fire on the vehicle near a security checkpoint along the route, leaving the occupants unable to escape.
Sources said all five occupants were killed in the attack.
MACBAN alleged that the Kassa axis had previously witnessed attacks involving its members and described the latest incident as part of what it considers a pattern of violence against Fulani herders and cattle traders using the route.
The association called on the Federal Government, Plateau State Government and security agencies to urgently investigate the killings, identify and arrest those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted.
It also demanded increased security along the Kassa route and other identified flashpoints to prevent further attacks.
Amid fears of possible reprisal, MACBAN appealed to Fulani youths and members of the community to remain calm and law-abiding.
The association specifically warned against retaliation, saying continued killings of innocent citizens posed a serious threat to peace and security in Plateau State.
“The continued killing of innocent citizens is unacceptable and poses a serious threat to peace, security, and harmonious coexistence in Plateau State,” MACBAN said.