Two Cows Shot Dead in Plateau as Troops Warn Herders Against Illegal Grazing
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have launched an investigation after unidentified assailants shot dead two cattle in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid renewed efforts to curb illegal grazing and prevent farmer-herder clashes.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:05 a.m. on July 31 at Yidel Village, Sabon Gari District.
The sources said troops of Sector 8 OPEP responded to a distress call and, on arrival at the scene alongside the Yidel Youth Leader, discovered that two cows had been killed by unidentified criminals.
During preliminary investigations, the affected herders—identified as Mohammed Abdulkareem, Idi Muhammad and Isa Hassan—admitted to the troops that they had trespassed from Sabon Barki in Bokkos Local Government Area into Yidel in Mangu LGA to engage in night grazing, an activity prohibited in the area because of its potential to trigger communal conflicts.
The herders told security personnel that they heard gunshots while grazing and, as they attempted to flee with their livestock, later discovered that two of their cattle had been shot dead.
Security sources said investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for the attack and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The troops also cautioned the herders against engaging in illegal night grazing, stressing that compliance with grazing regulations remains essential to preventing clashes between farming and pastoral communities.
The incident is part of ongoing security challenges in Mangu and adjoining communities, where Operation Enduring Peace has intensified patrols, conflict mediation and enforcement of anti-illegal grazing measures to sustain peace across the area.
