Officers from the Mopol 81 unit allegedly opened fire on herders in the Maraban Dare community of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, killing Adamu Mato and wounding two others on Tuesday.
Eyewitnesses told Daily Trust that they were grazing when the mobile police officers stormed the grazing field and opened fire on them, adding that the situation forced them to abandon their cattle and flee for their lives.
Abba Jafar, who survived the attack, said they were tending to their cattle when they unexpectedly started hearing gunshots.
He said, “They didn’t tell us anything but started shooting. They killed my colleague and injured two others. Though I survived, I sustained gunshot wounds to the head. We have not committed any crime.”
The state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, condemned the attack, describing it as a deliberate act to intimidate herders and cripple their businesses.
The MACBAN chairman gave the names of the victims as Adamu Mato, Abba Jafar and Adamu Abubakar.
“Report has it that Adamu Mato was shot and killed by personnel alleged to be from MOPOL 81 without any provocation. We respectfully request a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.”
Babayo also accused the mobile police officers of unlawful arrest of members and burning of their houses across some local government area.
He added, “I want to draw the attention of the Inspector General of Police to a series of deeply disturbing incidents allegedly involving personnel of MOPOL 81 in Plateau State.
“We are seriously concerned by what appears to be a pattern of actions directed against members of the Fulani community, particularly in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bassa Local Government Areas. These incidents have created fear, anxiety, and a growing loss of confidence in the impartiality expected of security personnel.
“On 19 October 2026, personnel alleged to be attached to MOPOL 81 reportedly set fire to Fulani houses at Exland Junction, Gashish District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, and also took away motorcycles and other valuable personal property belonging to community members. We urge the IGP to Order an immediate and independent investigation into the conduct of personnel of MOPOL 81 in Plateau State.”
Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Alabo Alfred, did not respond to inquiries regarding the allegations.
What You Should Know
A group of herders in Plateau State was reportedly attacked by mobile police officers while grazing their cattle. The incident has led to the death of one man and left two others injured, sparking an outcry from community leaders who claim the attack was unprovoked.
- Potential Concerns: This event highlights a growing loss of confidence in security personnel among local communities. Allegations of unlawful arrests and property destruction could worsen regional tensions and create fear for those conducting their daily business.
- Positive Impact: The call for a transparent and independent investigation by the Inspector General of Police offers an opportunity for accountability and could help restore trust if justice is served fairly.
