Tension is brewing in two Plateau communities following sharply conflicting accounts from the state chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYMA) over a series of deadly attacks in Jos South and Riyom Local Government Areas.
The attacks, which occurred on January 6, 2026, reportedly claimed six lives.
n separate statements issued on Tuesday, in Jos, the Plateau state capital, both groups blamed each other for the violence, presenting divergent narratives of the incidents that occurred in Gero and Jol communities.
MACBAN, in a statement signed by its Plateau State Chairman, Ibrahim Babayo, alleged that suspected “Berom terrorists” ambushed Fulani herders near Gero community in Jos South LGA at about 8:00 p.m. on Monday.
According to the association, the herders were returning to their cattle settlement after shopping in Gero when they were followed and attacked.
The group said one of its members, Zakariya Abdullahi, was killed in the ambush, while another, Jibrin Musa, sustained critical injuries.
MACBAN described the incident as part of a series of repeated attacks on Fulani herders throughout 2025 and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest those responsible.
It also urged its members to remain calm and law-abiding, pledging continued cooperation with security agencies.
However, the BYMA rejected MACBAN’s account, describing it as a distortion of facts.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, BYMA alleged that armed Fulani militias carried out coordinated attacks in Gero and Jol communities.
According to the BYMA, three miners — Markus Danladi (55), Peter (27), and Acham Ayuba (24) were shot dead at a mining site in Gero, Gyel District, at about 9:34 p.m. while a 65-year-old woman, Jumai Aba, sustained gunshot wounds.
The group further said earlier in the evening, an attack in Jol community of Riyom LGA claimed the life of Pius Luka Dida (23), a young father.
BYMA also alleged that one of the attackers was accidentally killed by members of his own group during the Gero incident, claiming that MACBAN is now portraying that death as that of an innocent herder The BYMA accused MACBAN of shielding violent elements and linked the attacks to what it described as “longstanding land-grabbing activities in parts of Riyom.”
Beyond the killings, BYMA accused armed herders of destroying dry-season farmlands in Kwi, estimating losses at more than ₦14 million.
The group called for the proscription of MACBAN, a thorough investigation of its leadership by Nigerian security agencies and international partners
The BYMA also called for compensation for affected families and improved protection for vulnerable communities.
Both groups said they had reported the attacks to the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and Operation Safe Haven.
Residents fear that the competing narratives and growing mistrust could further inflame tensions unless the authorities intervene decisively.
MACBAN, Berom Youths trade blame as six die in fresh Plateau attacks
