The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, says the men arrested over a suspected kidnap case in Okpokwu Local Government Area were just travellers and not kidnappers.
In a statement on Tuesday, which journalists in Makurdi received, Muhammad said the four Fulani men were going from Benue State to Onitsha in Anambra State to visit family when they were ambushed.
Residents reported that local youths stopped a kidnap attempt last Wednesday and rescued five victims.
The next day, local reports say three suspects were arrested and taken to the police, while a fourth suspect managed to escape.
Adah Inalegwu, the Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area, confirmed the incident. He said the kidnappers abandoned their victims after local vigilantes and youths chased them.
Inalegwu added that while three suspects were arrested the next day, security agencies have not confirmed their connection to the case.
"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.
In response, Ardo Muhammad insisted that the arrested men were innocent travellers who were heading to Onitsha to see their families.
"The four Fulani men arrested were travellers going from Benue State to Onitsha to visit their relatives. One of them managed to escape.
"The other three were severely beaten. One of them later died from injuries sustained during the attack, while the remaining two are currently receiving medical treatment," he explained.
Muhammad urged security agencies to quickly find those responsible for the attack. He said this would help bring justice and restore order in the area.
He also rejected claims that linked the men to kidnapping, alleging that they were attacked just because they are Fulani and were travelling peacefully.
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