Two herdsmen identified as Mubarak Yakubu and Shehu Saidu have been confirmed missing while 319 cows were also killed in latest attacks in  Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau state.

Confirming the attacks in a statement made available to journalists in Jos on  Wednesday, Spokesman for the State Police Command, Mr. Mathias Tyopev, said that twelve other cattle were  also maimed while  another eleven  were rustled during the attack which occurred in
Billi and Ariri villages,  Miango District of the council.

The statement, however, suggested that the losses suffered by the Fulani were in retaliation to an earlier attack in the community by gunmen who killed three people and injured several others including a seven-month-old baby.

The police spokesman said, “We received information on 29/04 /2019, about 0800hrs to the effect that unknown gunmen attacked Maiyanga area of Miango District as a result, one Jummai Jah ‘f’ 25yrs and Emmanuel Ishaya ‘m’ 37yrs were killed. While a 7 months old girl Tabitha survived with a neck injury and is receiving treatment at Enos Hospital at Miango.

“The information also emphasised that Monday Audu of Rotsu village also in Miango District was shot and macheted to death.
While the investigation into these crimes was ongoing, the Command on 30/04 /2019, about 0730hrs received information that about 319 cattle were attacked and killed, 12 cattle were maimed while 11 cattle were rustled.

Two cattle rearers; one Mubarak Yakubu and one Shehu Saidu both male of different addresses were missing. All these allegedly took place in Billi and Ariri in Miango District.

“The Command, has mobilised a search and rescue team for the missing rearers while efforts are on the way to track and arrest the perpetrators of these dastardly acts.

“The Command has also mobilised a combined team of Police Mobile Force (PMF) and Detective personnel to the affected areas to maintain law and order.”

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Plateau killings: Police confirm two herdsmen missing, 319 cows killed in reprisal