MACBAN clears itself of blame in the killing of 16 villagers in Benue

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Benue State chapter, has said its members had nothing to do with the attack and killing of innocent people in Otukpo Nobi, Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

The attack happened in the early hours of Sunday and reportedly took about 16 lives.

Community members said armed herders were behind the attack.

Furious about the killings, youths and women marched to Ochidoma’s palace in protest, carrying the bodies of the victims.

In a statement released on Monday by MACBAN's state secretary, Ibrahim Galma, the association condemned the attack and the killings.

It urged everyone not to jump to conclusions and avoid linking the incident to Fulani herders without a proper investigation by security agencies.

Galma pointed out that no Fulani had been living in Otukpo and nearby areas since last year. He also mentioned that Otukpo Nobi and other surrounding communities have ongoing communal disputes.

The statement said, “It is important for the public to note that all Fulani residents in Otukpo and its environs were forcefully evicted from the area sometime last year.

“This included their community leader in Otukpo, Chairman Yenusa, who left the state immediately after all efforts to restore peace in Otukpo failed following that incident.”

Galma also said, “Secondly, it has come to our notice that Otukpo-Nobi and other communities in the same area, such as Okete, Amla-Icho, and Otada, already have pending communal clashes.”

The association further asked the public not to connect the incident to a revenge attack for the killing of its chairman, Ardo Risku, just days earlier.

“Making such conclusions at this stage will only compromise the ongoing investigation being carried out by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies,” Galma said.

He called on its members and the public to stay calm and law-abiding while security agencies investigate the matter. He also urged authorities to keep an eye on social media discussions, warning that inflammatory comments could increase tension and disrupt peace efforts.

The association prayed for the souls of the victims and for peace to return to Otukpo and Benue State.