By Peter Duru, Makurdi
MAKURDI — The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the killing of several persons in Otukpo-Nobi, Otukpo Local Government Area, describing the attack as tragic and urging the public not to attribute responsibility to Fulani herders before security agencies conclude their investigation.
In a statement issued by the association’s Benue State Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, MACBAN expressed sympathy to the victims and their families, praying for the repose of those who lost their lives and the speedy recovery of the injured.
“We condemn this act of violence in the strongest terms,” Galma said, urging the public to avoid “hasty conclusions and linking the incident to Fulani herders without proper investigation by security agencies.”
The association stated that Fulani residents had already been displaced from Otukpo and surrounding communities following an earlier crisis.
“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,” the statement said.
MACBAN also referred to what it described as longstanding communal disputes involving Otukpo-Nobi and neighbouring communities, including Okete, Amla-Icho and Otada, noting that previous clashes had resulted in loss of lives.
The association further mentioned reports of an alleged attack in Akpachi village, Ugboju, where two persons were reportedly killed, but said there was no verified evidence to confirm the incident or the reported casualties.
Galma urged the public not to link the Otukpo-Nobi killings with the recent killing of Ardo Risku in Okudu, near Ohimini, warning that such speculation could undermine ongoing investigations.
“Making such conclusions at this stage will only compromise the ongoing investigation being carried out by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies,” he said.
MACBAN also appealed to authorities to monitor social media content relating to the incident, expressing concern that unverified posts and commentary could inflame tensions.
“We call on the Nigerian authorities to check some content creators who are bringing this sensitive matter, which is still under investigation, into social media discussions. Such actions can incite tension and undermine peace efforts,” the statement added.
The association urged its members and residents of the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding while investigations continue, expressing confidence that security agencies would identify and prosecute those responsible.
“We have full confidence in the security agencies to unravel the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice, no matter who they are,” Galma said.
