The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has said the security situation in Benue South Senatorial District has deteriorated beyond the traditional farmer-herder conflict, describing the violence as organised criminality.
In a statement issued by its Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, the association condemned the increasing killings, attacks, cattle rustling and destruction of property across the district, calling on the Benue State Government, security agencies and traditional rulers to take urgent steps to restore peace.
According to the association, criminal elements are exploiting the fragile security situation to perpetrate murder, arson, theft and the displacement of innocent residents.
“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,” the statement said.
MACBAN recalled the killing of its Benue State Chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, by gunmen in Okudu village, Otukpo Local Government Area, on June 26, 2026, saying the incident heightened fear across the district.
The association also referred to 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 ethnic or religious affiliation.
It further alleged that Fulani herders were attacked between July 21 and July 28 in Olahimu, Ipom, Ochimosho, Omoloye, Ofiloko, Ibagidi and Ugene communities, resulting in deaths, cattle rustling and the displacement of herders.
The group also claimed that Fulani settlements in parts of Otukpo Local Government Area were destroyed through arson.
MACBAN urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incidents and prosecute anyone found culpable.
It also called on the state government to establish a joint peace and security committee comprising representatives of the Idoma, Igede, Agatu and Fulani communities, strengthen security presence in affected areas and convene an emergency peace summit involving key stakeholders.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and appealed to Fulani residents in the state to remain calm and pursue their grievances through lawful means.
“The Government must act now to restore normalcy before the situation degenerates beyond control,” the statement added.
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