5 herders killed, 3 missing at Kogi/Enugu boundary

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised concerns over the killing of five of its members while three others remain missing following an attack on Thursday, March 14, 2025. MACBAN’s National Deputy Director General, Gidado Siddiki, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, alleging that the incident occurred in Enugu State, […]

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised concerns over the killing of five of its members while three others remain missing following an attack on Thursday, March 14, 2025.

MACBAN’s National Deputy Director General, Gidado Siddiki, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, alleging that the incident occurred in Enugu State, Vanguard reported.

However, the Enugu State Police Command clarified that the attack took place along the Kogi-Enugu boundary.

The command’s spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, said a preliminary investigation revealed that the attack happened at Eshi River, a boundary point between Opanda community in Uzo-Uwani LGA, Enugu State, and Amaeke community in Igalamela-Odolu LGA, Kogi State.

• FG reaffirms commitment to completing Katsina-Kano highway project, others
• Why Niger is facing deep fuel crisis – Refinery chief

“A joint security team comprising the police and military from Enugu State swiftly responded and arrested two male suspects. The command is working with its Kogi State counterpart to track down other fleeing suspects while investigations are ongoing,” Ndukwe said.

Siddiki said eight MACBAN members were initially reported missing, with five later found dead, while the whereabouts of the remaining three remain unknown.

“Our members are law-abiding citizens engaged in the legitimate business of cattle rearing and selling in the South East. We are not here for conflict but for the progress of the region, just as the Igbo community in the North contributes to the development and prosperity of their host communities,” Siddiki said.

He urged the government to thoroughly investigate the killings, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice, while also calling for measures to prevent further violence against MACBAN members.

Siddiki extended condolences to the families of the deceased and missing individuals and urged MACBAN members to remain calm and abide by the law, emphasising their belief in destiny.

“We must exercise patience and allow the government to complete its investigation. We have received reports that some suspects have already been apprehended, and we trust that justice will prevail,” he added.