NEWS
Fresh Bloodshed in Plateau: 15-Year-Old Herder Killed, Cattle Slaughtered
A fresh attack by suspected gunmen in Plateau State has claimed the life of a 15-year-old herder, Sadi Aliyu, while leaving 13 cattle dead and 11 others missing.
The incident occurred in Sabon Gidan Kanar community, Jos South Local Government Area, where the teenager and other herders were reportedly grazing livestock when armed attackers stormed the area and opened fire.
Confirming the attack on Saturday, the Plateau State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, said the assailants attacked the herders without provocation.
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According to him, the teenage herder was killed on the spot, while several cattle were also shot dead during the assault.
“The victim, alongside his colleagues, was rearing cattle when the gunmen attacked them. They killed one herder and 13 cattle, while about 11 cattle are still missing,” Babayo said.
He condemned the incident, describing it as a threat to peace and security in the state.
“The continuous targeting of innocent herders and their livestock is unacceptable and poses a serious threat to peaceful coexistence and security in Plateau State,” he added.
Babayo disclosed that the matter had been reported to the Bukuru B Division of the Nigeria Police Force and Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace for investigation and necessary action.
He called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attack, apprehend those responsible, and ensure justice is served.
The MACBAN chairman also urged governments at all levels to strengthen measures aimed at protecting lives and property, irrespective of ethnic background or occupation.
While appealing for calm, he advised members of the herding community and affected residents not to resort to self-help or retaliation.
“The association remains committed to peace, dialogue and lawful means of addressing grievances,” he stated.
The latest attack comes amid ongoing efforts by the Plateau State Government to address insecurity.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang recently announced a ban on night mining activities and prohibited night grazing and grazing by underage herders as part of measures to improve security across the state.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from Operation Enduring Peace were unsuccessful, as its spokesman, Captain Polycarp Oteh, had yet to respond to inquiries as of the time of filing this report.
Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is set to address a world press conference at his residence in Abuja on Friday.
The specific reason for the media briefing has not been disclosed as of the time of filing this report.
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Atiku’s planned engagement comes amid several developments attracting public attention, including a recent report from TheCable concerning a $500,000 payment allegedly transferred in 2003 to his former wife, Jennifer Douglas, by Leno Adesanya, promoter of Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited.
TheCable reported that Adesanya told an international arbitration tribunal that the payment was part of a foreign-exchange transaction carried out for Atiku.
The report further stated that the payment was made through China Castle Investments Limited, an offshore company controlled by Adesanya.
The development comes shortly after an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) tribunal ruled in favour of Nigeria in the $2.35 billion arbitration dispute brought by Sunrise Power over the Mambilla hydropower project.
The tribunal also ordered Sunrise Power and its promoter to reimburse Nigeria for a portion of its legal fees and expenses.
However, there is currently no official indication that Atiku’s scheduled press conference is connected to the Sunrise Power report, the arbitration ruling or any other specific issue.
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that no one found culpable in the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State will be shielded.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in a statement released on Friday while expressing the Federal Government’s condolences to the Niger State Government, the families of the deceased and the people of the Wushishi community.
The deaths occurred following the arrest of the suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State.
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Idris said the circumstances surrounding the deaths require a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation, stressing that the government’s responsibility is to establish the facts and ensure justice is served.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had ordered the suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and directed a full investigation into the incident.
“The swift action taken by the Honourable Minister of Interior underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Government views this matter,” Idris said.
He added that the investigation would be allowed to establish exactly what happened and that appropriate action would be taken based on its findings.
“There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation. The Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served,” the minister said.
Idris stressed that while the Federal Government remains committed to combating illegal mining and other unlawful activities, enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and with respect for human life and dignity.
He appealed for calm in Wushishi and across Niger State, urging residents and other concerned parties to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
The minister also assured the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State that the Federal Government shares in their grief and remains committed to fully establishing the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday arrived at the Niger State Government House in Minna following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The minister’s visit comes as pressure mounts on authorities to explain the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detainees.
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Tunji-Ojo is expected to meet with officials of the Niger State Government as part of his visit to the state.
He is also expected to proceed to the detention centre where the suspected illegal miners were held before their deaths.
The incident has sparked public concern and protests in Minna, with residents demanding answers over the deaths of the detainees while in government custody.
The Federal Government has ordered an investigation into the incident, while the Niger State NSCDC commandant has been suspended pending the outcome of the probe.
Details shortly…….
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