Benue: MACBAN petitions Alia over rising cattle rustling

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State has appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to intervene in the growing cases of cattle rustling, allegedly perpetrated by criminal youths in parts of Agatu and Guma local government areas of the state. In a statement signed by its State Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, on […]

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State has appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to intervene in the growing cases of cattle rustling, allegedly perpetrated by criminal youths in parts of Agatu and Guma local government areas of the state.

In a statement signed by its State Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, on Thursday, MACBAN urged the state government to investigate the incidents, bring the perpetrators to justice, and compensate affected herders to promote peace and coexistence between farmers and pastoralists in the areas.

Galma noted that the most recent attacks occurred on July 19, 2025, when suspected criminals from Eguma community in Agatu LGA allegedly rustled 73 cows belonging to one Sale Abubakar. The animals are yet to be recovered.

Similarly, he said on July 21, another 80 cattle reportedly belonging to Ardo Sarkin Fulani Bagana were stolen by criminal gangs believed to be from Agatu communities. While 30 of the cattle were later recovered within Agatu, 50 remain missing.

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He also reported that in another incident on July 24, a total of 213 cows belonging to one Garah Mobaba were reportedly rustled by suspected youths from Agatu at the border areas between Kogi State and Agatu LGA.

The association further alleged that similar cases of cattle rustling and violent attacks against herders have been frequently reported in parts of Guma LGA, heightening tension and insecurity in the areas.

“We are appealing to the government of Benue State to investigate these attacks, arrest the perpetrators, and compensate the victims in the interest of peace and peaceful coexistence,” the statement read in part.

Reacting, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, confirmed to journalists in Makurdi that the matter had been brought to his attention and assured that security agencies have been informed for further investigation.

Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for confirmation were unsuccessful as calls and text messages to her mobile line went unanswered.