The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Plateau State has alleged that 14 cattle were killed and 29 others rustled during an attack in Gero community, Gyel District, Jos South Local Government Area.
The association’s state chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, said in a statement on Monday that the incident occurred on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
According to Babayo, suspected militia members attacked Fulani herders while they were grazing, shooting some of their cattle and taking others after the herders fled.
MACBAN alleged that the attackers were members of a “Berom militia” and described the incident as another threat to pastoral communities in the area.
The association called on the Plateau State Government, police, Operation Safe Haven, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies to investigate the incident, recover the cattle, and arrest those responsible.
Security sources separately reported that troops of Operation Enduring Peace launched a search operation in Gero following a distress call over the attack. The sources said troops found 10 dead cattle and two wounded animals, while an undisclosed number of cattle were reportedly taken away. Other accounts put the number killed at about 14 and those rustled at 29.
MACBAN also appealed to Fulani pastoralists to remain calm and avoid retaliation, urging security agencies to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further violence.
The Gero area has recorded previous livestock-related incidents. In June, troops recovered 28 cattle allegedly rustled around the community and returned them to their owner.
