Gunmen Kill Teenager, Rustle Cattle in Fresh Benue Attack

A violent attack on Olahimu village in Benue State, Nigeria, has left a 15-year-old boy dead and several cattle stolen. Suspected armed assailants descended on the community in Ogoli Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area, around 7 a.m. on Tuesday. The attack also led to one person being reported missing, while three others who were initially unaccounted for were later found to have escaped the assailants.

The victims are reportedly connected to the family of the late Ardo Risku Muhammad, who previously served as the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). Muhammad was killed a few weeks prior in a different community within the Otukpo LGA. The deceased teenager has been identified as Muhammad Isiyaku, and the missing person is Saidu Musa, a family laborer.

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We strongly condemn this act of violence, killing and cattle rustling. We appeal to the Benue State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, DSS and all security agencies to urgently intensify efforts to locate Saidu Musa and recover the remaining missing cattle.

According to a statement from the family, approximately 500 cattle were initially rustled. However, search operations in the surrounding Okudu area have led to the recovery of many animals, though some were found dead and others remain missing. The family confirmed that three individuals initially feared missing, Muhammed Ismaiel, 17; Muhammed Hamza, 13; and a laborer, Abu Ali, were found alive after managing to escape the attackers.

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We also call for increased security presence in Olahimu, Ogoli Ugboju and other border communities to prevent further attacks and a breakdown of law and order.

The family has strongly condemned the violence, killing, and cattle rustling. They have issued an urgent appeal to the Benue State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to intensify efforts to locate Saidu Musa and recover the remaining stolen cattle. The statement also called for an increased security presence in Olahimu, Ogoli Ugboju, and neighboring border communities to prevent further attacks and maintain law and order.

Maxwell Ogiri, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, confirmed the incident, stating he was alerted while the attack was in progress and immediately notified security agencies and community leaders. He recounted receiving a distress call about the ongoing attack on the herd and the concern for the survival of the younger family members tending to the cattle. Ogiri mobilized local leaders and the Divisional Police Officer, but by the time they arrived, one brother was found dead, and the others were located, with only one laborer still missing. He lamented the escalating frequency of cattle rustling and armed attacks in the region, noting a similar incident involving the rustling of over 50 cattle from a private ranch in Jericho village just days earlier.

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Idris called me that an attack on their herd was ongoing and that he was more concerned about the survival of his younger ones who were taking care of the cattle. I immediately contacted the District Head, the Divisional Police Officer and the youth leader, who mobilised to the area. Later, Idris informed me that they found one of his brothers dead, while the others who were initially missing were eventually located, except one labourer. The cows were nowhere to be found.