The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has distanced its members from the attack on Otukpo Nobi in Otukpo Local Government Area, which left about 16 people dead in the early hours of Sunday.
Residents had alleged that armed herders carried out the assault, prompting angry youths and women to storm the Ochidoma’s palace in protest, carrying the corpses of the victims.
In a statement issued on Monday, MACBAN’s state secretary, Ibrahim Galma, condemned the killings and urged the public not to hastily link the incident to Fulani herders. He noted that all Fulani residents in Otukpo and its environs were forcefully evicted last year, including their community leader, Yenusa, who left after peace efforts failed.
Galma further explained that Otukpo Nobi and neighbouring communities such as Okete, Amla-Icho, and Otada already had unresolved communal disputes, stressing that the attack should not be assumed to be a reprisal for the recent killing of MACBAN Chairman, Ardo Risku.
“Making such conclusions at this stage will only compromise the ongoing investigation being carried out by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies,” the statement read.
The association called on its members and the public to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations continue. It also urged authorities to monitor inflammatory social media posts that could heighten tension.
MACBAN prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls and appealed for peace and stability in Otukpo and across Benue State.
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