The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State chapter, has distanced its members from the attack that reportedly claimed the lives of about 16 people in Otukpo Nobi, Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, has sparked outrage among residents, with some alleging that armed herders were responsible.
In protest, youths and women reportedly stormed the Ochidoma’s palace, carrying the corpses of the victims to demand justice.
However, in a statement issued on Monday in Makurdi by the state secretary of MACBAN, Ibrahim Galma, the association condemned the killings and urged the public to avoid linking the incident to Fulani herders without a proper investigation.
“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.
Galma added that the eviction included the community leader, Chairman Yenusa, who reportedly left the state after efforts to restore peace failed.
He further claimed that Otukpo Nobi and neighbouring communities such as Okete, Amla-Icho, and Otada had existing communal disputes, suggesting that the violence may be connected to those tensions.
The association also dismissed suggestions that the attack was a reprisal for the recent killing of its chairman, Ardo Risku, warning against premature conclusions.
“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.
MACBAN called on its members and the general public to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations continue, urging security agencies to uncover the perpetrators.
The group also appealed to authorities to monitor social media narratives, cautioning that inflammatory comments could escalate tensions and undermine peace efforts.
The association expressed condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the restoration of peace in Otukpo and Benue State.
