MACBAN seeks urgent govt action over fresh attacks on herders in Benue

MACBAN seeks urgent govt action over fresh attacks on herders in Benue

By Johnson Arua 

The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised alarm over what it described as persistent and violent attacks on Fulani herders in Ohimini Local Government Area. The association is calling on the state and federal authorities to urgently intervene before the situation spirals further out of control.

According to MACBAN, the latest crisis began toward the end of August 2025 when armed members of the Awule community allegedly launched a coordinated assault on Fulani settlements. The group claims the attacks were reportedly supported by personnel of the Benue State Volunteer Guard.

During the initial invasion, six Fulani settlements were razed, while thirty cattle were killed and several others rustled. One herder, identified as Mr. Isu Abdulkarim, popularly known as Dere, was murdered in the attack. His body remains missing despite extensive search efforts.

The association noted that rather than abate, the violence has continued in waves. On November 3, 2025, another herder, Mr. Muhammadu Ali, was attacked while grazing. Several cattle were reportedly killed during the incident.

Barely 24 hours later, MACBAN reports that Mr. Ali and his servant, Mr. Hamisu Jaube, were ambushed again while searching for missing animals. The attack led to the death of Ali, while Jaube narrowly escaped the scene.

MACBAN insists that all incidents were promptly reported to the Nigeria Police Force in Ohimini and the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Makurdi. However, the association expressed frustration that no arrests have been made, emboldening the attackers and heightening tensions.

Reacting to claims that the crisis was triggered by the destruction of farmland by herders, MACBAN dismissed the allegations as misleading. It alleged that the violence stemmed from the theft of cattle and the deliberate killing of herders, not crop damage.

The group stressed that Fulani herders in the area are law-abiding citizens engaged solely in livestock production. It warned that the continuous burning of settlements and attacks on innocent individuals have created widespread fear and displacement.

MACBAN lamented that the silence of authorities is fueling further aggression, pointing out that the situation, if unchecked, could destabilize neighbouring communities. It urged security agencies to deploy urgently and restore sanity to the area.

The association is appealing to Governor Hyacinth Alia to direct security formations to take immediate action. It also called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Department of State Services to launch a full-scale investigation and prosecute all perpetrators.

Additionally, MACBAN urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide relief materials to displaced herders who have lost homes, cattle, and livelihoods.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace and coexistence, MACBAN condemned the killings and destruction of properties, insisting only swift government response can prevent further escalation.