Insecurity has overtaken farmer-herder crisis in Benue South – MACBAN

By Peter Duru

The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has expressed deep concern over what it described as escalating killings, attacks and cattle rustling across Benue South Senatorial District, saying the violence has gone beyond the traditional farmer-herder conflict and now reflects organised criminality.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the association’s Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, MACBAN condemned the wave of violence in the area and urged the Benue State Government, security agencies and traditional institutions to take immediate steps to halt the bloodshed and restore peace.

According to Galma, “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 association recalled that its Benue State Chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, were killed by gunmen at Okudu village in Otukpo Local Government Area on June 26, 2026, describing the incident as one that 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, noting that it sympathised with all families affected by the violence regardless of their background.

The association further alleged that several attacks targeting Fulani herders and their cattle occurred between July 21 and July 28 in communities including Olahimu, Ipom, Ochimosho, Omoloye, Ofiloko, Ibagidi and Ugene, resulting in deaths, cattle rustling and the displacement of herders.

It also claimed that Fulani settlements in some parts of Otukpo LGA had been destroyed by arson.

The association called on security agencies to investigate the development and ensure anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Among its recommendations, MACBAN urged the state government to establish a joint peace and security committee comprising representatives of Idoma, Igede, Agatu and Fulani communities, strengthen security deployment in the affected areas, convene an emergency stakeholders’ peace summit and ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of all those responsible for the attacks.

Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence, the association appealed to Fulani residents across Benue to remain calm and pursue all grievances through lawful channels.

“The Government must act now to restore normalcy before the situation degenerates beyond control,” Galma said.