MACBAN Condemns Killings, Cattle Rustling in Benue South, Calls for Urgent Security Action

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned what it described as escalating killings, attacks and cattle rustling in Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C), saying the violence has gone beyond farmer-herder clashes and now reflects organized criminal activity.

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, on Wednesday, the association said persistent attacks across communities in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas had resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of settlements, cattle rustling and the displacement of Fulani families.

MACBAN cited the June 26 killing of its state chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, in Okudu Village, Otukpo LGA, as one of the incidents that heightened tensions in the area. It also referred to attacks on Otukpo-Nobi, Ogobia and Efeyi communities, where several people were reportedly killed, expressing condolences to the families of all victims.

The association further alleged that several attacks targeting Fulani herders and their livestock occurred between July 21 and July 28 in parts of Otukpo and Ohimini LGAs, resulting in deaths, cattle rustling and the destruction of Fulani settlements. It claimed that many herders had fled the affected communities due to insecurity.

MACBAN alleged that a criminal group it identified as “Ondaje Security” was behind some of the attacks, accusing its members of killings, cattle rustling, arson and intimidation of Fulani communities. These allegations could not be independently verified, and no response from the group or authorities was included in the statement.

The association called on the Benue State Government, security agencies and traditional institutions to establish a joint peace and security committee involving Idoma, Igede, Agatu and Fulani representatives, strengthen security operations in the affected areas, convene an emergency stakeholders’ summit and ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the violence.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, MACBAN urged Fulani communities in the state to remain calm and pursue their grievances through lawful channels while calling on the government to take urgent steps to restore security in the area.