Four herders and nine cows were killed in separate attacks in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State on Tuesday, according to reports from local authorities and community leaders.

The violence, which also left five people with various degrees of injuries, occurred just hours after an earlier attack claimed the lives of seven family members in Kopmur community, Mushere District of Bokkos LGA.

Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the Plateau State chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), confirmed that gunmen killed a herder and opened fire on grazing cattle, resulting in the death of nine animals.

"The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and the state police command have been informed of the resurgence of violent attacks," Babayo disclosed.

Rising Tensions in Plateau

Plateau State has been grappling with intensified violence targeting herders and escalating clashes between herding communities and local residents in recent months. These latest incidents add to the growing concern about security in the region.

The attacks come amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore peace in the troubled areas of the state. Earlier reports indicated that troops had neutralized bandits heading to attack communities in Plateau and arrested suspected armed robbers in separate operations.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang had recently assured Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state that his administration had not forgotten them and was working to address their plight.

Security experts have called for increased vigilance and a more coordinated approach to addressing the root causes of the recurring violence in Plateau State, which has claimed numerous lives and displaced thousands of residents over the years.

As of the time of this report, authorities have yet to announce any arrests in connection with the latest attacks.