The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied allegations that its members were responsible for the deadly attack on Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, reportedly left about 16 people dead and triggered protests by youths and women who marched with the bodies of the victims to the palace of the Och’Idoma.
In a statement released on Monday, MACBAN’s Benue State Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, condemned the killings and rejected claims linking Fulani herders to the incident.
Galma appealed to residents and the public to allow security agencies complete their investigations before drawing conclusions.
He stated that Fulani residents had already been displaced from Otukpo and neighbouring communities since last year.
“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,” the statement read.
According to him, the eviction also affected the Fulani community leader in Otukpo, Chairman Yenusa, who reportedly left the state after attempts to restore peace failed.
The association further claimed that Otukpo-Nobi and nearby communities, including Okete, Amla-Icho and Otada, had longstanding communal disputes, urging investigators to consider all possible causes of the attack.
MACBAN also dismissed claims that the violence was carried out as retaliation for the recent killing of its Benue State Chairman, Ardo Risku Mohammed, in Ohimini Local Government Area.
“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.
The association called on its members and residents to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations continue.
It also warned against spreading unverified information and inflammatory comments on social media, noting that such actions could heighten tensions and threaten peace efforts.
MACBAN expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and called for the restoration of peace in Otukpo and other parts of Benue State.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.