The Chairman of the group in the state, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, who confirmed this to journalists in Jos on Tuesday, said the attack occurred on Monday at about 8p.m. as the victims were heading to their cattle pen after the day’s grazing when they ran into the deadly ambush.

Babayo identified the alleged victims as 28-year-old Sadiq Muhammad and 29-year-old Mas’ud Abdullahi.

He said the attack was unprovoked as the herdsmen and their cattle did not encroach on farmlands which could warrant the attack.

While calling on security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the act, Babayo warned that any attempt to sweep the matter under the carpet will not be acceptable.

Narrating how the herdsmen were killed, Babayo said the attackers, who were armed with dangerous weapons, opened fire on the victims, shooting them several times and killing them on the spot.

“Not yet done with the shooting, the militia gang also gouged out the eyes of the victims for no offence committed by the victims,” the MACBAN Chairman said.

“This act of terrorism has become a recurring occurrence, especially in Gyel District. Herders can no longer graze or move freely without being attacked or killed,” he added.

According to Babayo, one of the survivors, Ismaila Haruna, recounted how he narrowly escaped the attack.

“Haruna told our leaders in the community that three of them were riding on motorcycles to the cattle pen when the gunmen suddenly opened fire indiscriminately.

“He said after they fell, the gunmen moved in and continued shooting at his two colleagues, making sure they were dead. He managed to escape and reported the incident to personnel of Operation Enduring Peace.

“Haruna said security personnel later accompanied him back to the scene, where they recovered the bodies of the victims and the motorcycle.

“After returning to the headquarters of the operation, the bodies were released to our leaders and families for burial.

“I urge all our members to remain peaceful and allow the security agencies to investigate the incident. We must continue to be law-abiding citizens,” Babayo admonished.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, the government commended the Kaduna State Police Command for its prompt action, diligent investigation, and professionalism in ensuring that those allegedly involved in the incident are brought before the courts.

“The Kaduna State Government welcomes the arrest and arraignment of the suspects linked to this unfortunate incident and commends the Police Command for its swift and professional response. The rule of law remains the cornerstone of every democratic society, and no grievance, allegation or suspicion can justify taking another person’s life outside the framework of the law,” the commissioner stated.

He noted that the tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of lawlessness and underscored the need for citizens to channel complaints and allegations through established legal and security institutions.

“Governor Uba Sani’s administration will not tolerate any form of mob action or jungle justice. We urge residents to always report suspected criminal activities to security agencies and allow the law to take its course. Anyone found taking the law into their own hands will face the full consequences of the law, regardless of status or affiliation,” he added.

The commissioner expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation by the police, noting that the command had indicated that more than 100 additional suspects remain under investigation for their alleged involvement in the incident.

He assured residents that the government would continue to support security agencies and judicial institutions in their efforts to ensure accountability, maintain public order, and protect the rights of all citizens.

“The sanctity of human life must be respected at all times. Kaduna State will continue to stand firmly for justice, peaceful coexistence, and adherence to the rule of law. We must collectively reject violence and vigilantism in all its forms,” the statement added.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all those found culpable in the incident are brought to justice through due process, while urging members of the public to remain law-abiding and vigilant.