By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Fresh tension is brewing in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State following the killing of two herders—Umar Sa’idu and Rashida Yakubu—who were reportedly ambushed and shot dead Monday evening around Tahore community.
The victims, a male and a female, were said to be returning from Maikatako market on a motorcycle when unknown assailants laid siege and opened fire on them. The motive for the attack remains unclear, but the incident has further heightened fears of renewed hostilities in the area, which has witnessed several deadly attacks in recent months.
The State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, who confirmed the killings, described the attack as “heartbreaking and provocative,” warning that continuous silence over the targeting of herders may lead to dire consequences.
“I immediately informed the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, the GOC 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, the State Commissioner of Police, and the Director of State Security. They all assured us that investigations would begin, and urged us to avoid any form of reprisal,” Babayo said.
He appealed to Fulani residents in Plateau to remain calm and allow security forces to handle the matter.
“We are calling for peace, but our people are suffering. Over 100 cattle have been lost, and now two of our members have been murdered. We want justice,” he added.
However, when contacted, John Apollos Maton, a member of the Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard and Secretary of Ron-Kulere Jos & Environs, denied knowledge of the incident and dismissed the claims.
“Our people have not attacked anyone. We only resist terrorists who invade our communities. If they are calling the victims herders, then we suspect they are part of those behind the attacks on our villages,” Maton said.
The spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, did not respond to enquiries as of press time.
Daily Trust recalls that Bokkos LGA has been a flashpoint of violence, with dozens killed in a series of attacks between March and April. In response, security personnel were deployed to restore order. Just last week, a high-level security meeting was convened by the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, amid fears of renewed violence in Jos South and Riyom LGAs.
The latest incident may test the fragile calm security forces are striving to maintain in the troubled region.