The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has expressed concern over the rising wave of killings, attacks and cattle rustling across Benue South Senatorial District, describing the violence as organised criminality rather than the traditional farmer-herder conflict.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the association’s Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, condemned the attacks and called on the Benue State Government, security agencies and traditional rulers to take urgent steps to restore peace and security in the area.
According to Galma, the security situation has deteriorated beyond clashes between farmers and herders.
“We wish to state categorically that the situation in Zone C has transcended a farmer-herder conflict. What we are witnessing is pure criminality orchestrated by criminal elements who are exploiting the fragile security situation to perpetrate murder, theft, arson and forceful displacement of innocent citizens,” he said.
The association recalled the killing of its Benue State Chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, who were attacked by gunmen in Okudu village, Otukpo Local Government Area, on June 26, 2026. It said the incident heightened fear and tension across the district.
MACBAN also referenced subsequent attacks in Otukpo-Nobi, Ogobia and Efeyi communities, where several people were reportedly killed, expressing sympathy to all families affected by the violence, regardless of their ethnic or social background.
The association further alleged that Fulani herders and their livestock were attacked in several communities, including Olahimu, Ipom, Ochimosho, Omoloye, Ofiloko, Ibagidi and Ugene, between July 21 and July 28, resulting in deaths, cattle rustling and the displacement of herders.
It also claimed that Fulani settlements in parts of Otukpo Local Government Area were destroyed by suspected arsonists.
MACBAN called on security agencies to investigate the incidents thoroughly and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
As part of its recommendations, the association urged the Benue State Government to establish a joint peace and security committee comprising representatives of the Idoma, Igede, Agatu and Fulani communities. It also called for increased security deployment in affected areas, the convening of an emergency stakeholders’ peace summit and the prosecution of all those responsible for the attacks.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence, the association appealed to Fulani residents across Benue State to remain calm and seek redress through lawful means.
“The government must act now to restore normalcy before the situation degenerates beyond control,” Galma said.