MACBAN Raises Alarm Over Benue South Killings, Cattle Rustling

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the rising wave of killings, attacks and cattle rustling in Benue South Senatorial District (Zone C), describing the situation as organized criminality rather than the usual farmer-herder conflict.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, the association said repeated attacks in communities across Otukpo and Ohimini Local Government Areas had claimed lives, destroyed settlements, led to cattle rustling and forced many Fulani families to flee their homes.
MACBAN recalled the June 26 killing of its state chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, alongside his associate, Yakubu Isah, in Okudu Village, Otukpo LGA, saying the incident further heightened tensions in the area. It also cited attacks on Otukpo-Nobi, Ogobia and Efeyi communities, where several people were reportedly killed, while extending condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives.
The association further alleged that between July 21 and July 28, Fulani herders and their livestock came under repeated attacks in parts of Otukpo and Ohimini LGAs, resulting in deaths, cattle rustling and the destruction of Fulani settlements. It said the worsening insecurity had forced many herders to abandon the affected communities.
MACBAN also alleged that a group identified as “Ondaje Security” was responsible for some of the attacks, accusing its members of killings, cattle rustling, arson and intimidation of Fulani communities. The allegations, however, could not be independently verified, and no response from the group or relevant authorities was included in the statement.
The association called on the Benue State Government, security agencies and traditional rulers to establish a joint peace and security committee involving Idoma, Igede, Agatu and Fulani representatives. It also urged authorities to strengthen security operations in the affected areas, convene an emergency stakeholders’ summit and ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the violence.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence, MACBAN appealed to Fulani communities across the state to remain calm and seek lawful means of addressing their grievances, while urging the government to take immediate steps to restore peace and security in the affected areas.