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

The violent incidents, 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.

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

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

Rising Tensions in Plateau

Plateau State has been grappling with intensified acts of violence targeting herders and escalating clashes between herding communities and local residents. The recent attacks mark a troubling continuation of security challenges in the region.

These incidents come amid growing concerns about intercommunal violence in the state, which has seen repeated cycles of attacks and reprisals over the years.

Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement regarding the latest attacks, but sources indicate that investigations are underway to identify the perpetrators and prevent further violence.

The attacks have heightened fears among local communities, with residents calling for increased security presence and more proactive measures to address the root causes of the recurring violence in the region.