MACBAN seeks FG’s intervention over Benue insecurity
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, on Friday, called for urgent intervention by the Federal and State governments following alleged attacks on herders in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state. Our correspondent reports that both the locals and herders have accused one another of repeated attacks in recent […]
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, on Friday, called for urgent intervention by the Federal and State governments following alleged attacks on herders in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
Our correspondent reports that both the locals and herders have accused one another of repeated attacks in recent times, with villagers of Anwule in Ohimini reporting six people killed by armed herders few days ago.
However, in a statement issued in Makurdi on Friday and signed by MACBAN state chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, the association alleged that members of the Awule community, aided by some personnel of the Benue State Volunteer Guard, launched coordinated assaults on the herders settlements in the area.
Muhammad claimed that the crisis began in late August 2025 when six herding settlements were reportedly razed, 30 cows killed, and many others rustled.
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He explained that one herder, identified as Isu Abdulkarim, was said to have been killed, with his remains yet to be recovered despite several search efforts.
MACBAN further claimed that the attacks have continued unabated, adding that on November 3, 2025, another herder, Muhammadu Ali, was allegedly ambushed while grazing his cattle, resulting in the death of several cows and that the following day, Ali was reportedly shot dead while searching for his missing animals, while his assistant, Hamisu Jaube, narrowly escaped.
The group said all incidents were promptly reported to the police and the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi but lamented that no arrests had been made, allowing the attackers to operate freely.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the crisis was triggered by the destruction of farmlands by herders, MACBAN dismissed the claim as false and misleading as they maintained that the violence stemmed from cattle rustling and targeted attacks on herders.
The association described the herders in the affected area as peaceful and law-abiding citizens, warning that the ongoing violence and destruction had created fear and insecurity among herding communities in Ohimini and neighbouring areas.
MACBAN therefore urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to direct security agencies to restore peace in the affected communities. It also called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to investigate the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The group also appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide humanitarian relief to displaced herders as it encouraged media organisations, civil society, and human rights groups to take interest in the matter to prevent escalation.
Meanwhile, MACBAN reaffirmed its commitment to peace and dialogue but condemned the continued killings and destruction, urging authorities to act swiftly to restore law and order.
The Chairman of Ohimini LGA, Adole Gabriel, earlier told our correspondent on telephone that he reported the killings of his people by alleged armed herders to security agencies.