Two pastoralists were gunned down on Monday evening while returning from Maikatako market to their camp in the Tahore area of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State.

The victims, identified as Umar Sa'idu and Rashida Yakubu, were ambushed and fatally shot while riding a motorcycle, according to Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Plateau State.

Babayo condemned the attack as "a blatant violation of both the law and basic human decency" and revealed he had immediately notified security agencies, including the commander of Operation Safe Haven, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, the state commissioner of police, and the State Director of Security.

"They have assured us of a prompt and thorough investigation, and cautioned against any acts of reprisal," Babayo stated.

The MACBAN chairman appealed to Fulani communities across Plateau to remain calm despite the escalating violence that has reportedly claimed over 100 cattle and several herders in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, John Apollos Maton, representing the Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) Vanguard, denied any involvement by local youths in the attack. He suggested that "terrorist elements" might be responsible for both the attacks on herders and recent assaults on villages in the area.

The region has experienced significant violence in recent months. Between March and April, insurgent raids claimed dozens of lives in Bokkos villages, leading to joint deployments of police and military personnel to restore order.

Just last week, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, GOC of 3 Division and commander of Operation Safe Haven, convened a high-level security meeting following renewed violence in Jos South and Riyom Local Government Areas.

As investigations into the latest killings continue, both MACBAN and community leaders have called for enhanced security patrols and rapid response mechanisms to safeguard vulnerable rural routes in the state.