Benue Killings: MACBAN rejects allegations against herders

…says no Fulani settlements remain in Otukpo —

The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has denied any involvement of its members in the recent attack on Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state, which claimed the lives of at least 16 people.

The association urged the public to refrain from linking the killings to Fulani herders, insisting that security agencies should be allowed to conclude their investigations before assigning blame.

Gunmen had on Sunday attacked Otukpo-Nobi community, killing 16 residents and triggering protests by women and youths, who accused suspected herders of carrying out the assault in retaliation for the recent killing of the state MACBAN chairman, Ardo Risku.

However, in a statement issued on Monday, the Secretary of MACBAN in Benue State, Ibrahim Galma, condemned the attack and expressed sympathy with the families of the victims.

Mr Galma cautioned against what he described as premature conclusions, arguing that there was no evidence linking the association or Fulani herders to the incident.

According to him, Fulani herders have not been living in Otukpo and surrounding communities since they were allegedly forced to leave the area last year following earlier security crises.

“It is important for the public to note that all Fulani residents in Otukpo and its environs were forcefully evicted from the area sometime last year.

“This included their community leader in Otukpo, Chairman Yenusa, who left the state immediately after all efforts to restore peace in Otukpo failed following that incident,” he said.

Mr Galma also claimed that Otukpo-Nobi and neighbouring communities, including Okete, Amla-Icho and Otada, had long-standing communal disputes, suggesting that investigators should consider all possible angles.

The association further rejected claims that the attack was carried out in retaliation for the killing of its state chairman, Ardo Risku.

“Making such conclusions at this stage will only compromise the ongoing investigation being carried out by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies,” Galma said.

He appealed to MACBAN members and residents of the state to remain calm and law-abiding while security agencies investigate the incident.

Mr Galma also urged relevant authorities to monitor inflammatory comments on social media, warning that unverified narratives and inciting posts could escalate tensions and frustrate ongoing peace efforts.

The association prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed and called for the restoration of lasting peace in Otukpo and other parts of Benue State.

Jaafar Jaafar