A 25-year-old herder identified as Safiyanu Abubakar has been shot dead in a suspected cattle rustling attack in Gora village, Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, while Abubakar was grazing cattle in the area.
Security sources said troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation Enduring Peace, responded to a distress call and found the herder dead from gunshot wounds. One cow was also reportedly killed, while another sustained gunshot injuries.
The suspected attackers had fled before the arrival of the troops. Abubakar’s remains and the affected cattle were subsequently evacuated and handed over to his family.
Security sources said intelligence-gathering efforts had been activated to identify and apprehend those responsible, while troops were also engaging Fulani leaders in Jos East to help prevent possible reprisal attacks.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of the perpetrators remain under investigation. Security agencies have urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information to assist the investigation.
