Gunmen Slay Teenage Herder and 35 Cows in Plateau, Governor Calls for Justice

 Gunmen Slay Teenage Herder and 35 Cows in Plateau, Governor Calls for Justice

Date: March 7, 2024

In a tragic incident that unfolded in Plateau state, unidentified gunmen targeted a 17-year-old herder and brutally killed him, along with 35 cows. The unfortunate event took place in the Nafan community of Fan District and Doruwa Babuje in Ropp District, within the Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area.

According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the assailants, riding on motorcycles, unleashed a hail of bullets that claimed the life of the young herder. The motive behind the attack remains unknown at this time.

Expressing his deep concern and condemnation, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has called upon the relevant security agencies to swiftly apprehend the culprits responsible for this heinous act. Governor Mutfwang emphasized that his administration will not tolerate any form of lawlessness or harm inflicted upon law-abiding citizens.

The Governor's Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, issued a statement on behalf of Governor Mutfwang on Thursday in Jos, the state's capital. The statement underscored the Governor's plea to traditional, community, and religious leaders, as well as youth and women groups in the affected areas, to join forces with other stakeholders in the pursuit of restoring peace.

Governor Mutfwang's statement read, "We condemn in totality these acts of lawlessness that is undermining the government's effort to entrench harmonious living among all and sundry in the state."

The Governor further declared, "My administration will no longer tolerate brutal killings of innocent citizens, either on their farms or in any parts of the state, while pursuing their legitimate means of livelihood."

He has directed the security agencies to launch a thorough manhunt to track down the perpetrators of these heinous crimes and ensure that justice is served for the victims.

In the wake of this tragic incident, Governor Mutfwang offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. He also urged the residents of Plateau state to remain vigilant and assist in identifying and confronting criminal elements within their communities. The Governor assured the public that those responsible for such atrocities will face legal repercussions for their actions.