One killed and two injured in alleged attack on Fulani travelers in Benue, says MACBAN.

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Benue State branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned an alleged attack on four Fulani men in Okpokwu Local Government Area. The association has called on security agencies to arrest those responsible and ensure justice is served.

In a statement signed by MACBAN chairman Ardo Risku Muhammad, the group said the victims were attacked on 10 June 2026 while traveling from Benue State to Onitsha to visit relatives.

MACBAN alleged that the incident occurred in the Aokpe/Ugbokolo community, where the travelers were ambushed by residents. According to the association, one of the four victims escaped, while three sustained serious injuries. One later died from his wounds, and two others are currently receiving treatment.

“We call on security agencies to act swiftly to arrest the perpetrators and ensure justice is served. This is necessary to restore order and rebuild confidence in the area,” the statement read.

MACBAN dismissed social media reports that linked the victims to kidnapping activities, describing such claims as false and misleading. “Contrary to reports circulating on social media, these men were not involved in any kidnapping-related matter,” Muhammad said. He added that the victims were attacked simply because they were Fulani travelers moving peacefully through the area.

It was reported that the victims were apprehended by youths in the community following a separate kidnapping incident in which five persons were abducted by armed men suspected to be herders, before being rescued by vigilantes. The youths reportedly suspected the travelers were linked to the attack.

Okpokwu Local Government Chairman Adah Inalegwu said security agencies had not established any link between the arrested persons and the crime. “They are strangers in the community. It has not yet been confirmed whether they were kidnappers, but they have been handed over to the police,” he said.

Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet had not yet commented on the incident at the time of filing this report.

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