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Insecurity in Benue South now organized criminality, not farmer-herder crisis: MACBAN
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Insecurity in Benue South now organized criminality, not farmer-herder crisis: MACBAN

From Vanguard · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State expressed deep concern over escalating violence in Benue South.
  • MACBAN stated that the violence has moved beyond farmer-herder conflicts to organized criminality, citing recent killings and cattle rustling.
  • The association urged the Benue State Government and security agencies to act swiftly to restore peace and proposed a joint peace committee.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State has voiced serious alarm over the escalating violence in the Benue South Senatorial District. The group described the situation as having surpassed traditional farmer-herder disputes, now characterized by "pure criminality." Ibrahim Galma, MACBAN's Secretary, stated that criminal elements are exploiting the fragile security to commit murder, theft, arson, and forced displacement.

MACBAN highlighted the recent killings of its Benue State Chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, and an associate on June 26, 2026, as an incident that intensified fear in the region. The association also referenced subsequent attacks in Otukpo-Nobi, Ogobia, and Efeyi communities, where several individuals reportedly lost their lives. MACBAN extended its sympathy to all victims of the violence.

We wish to state categorically that the situation in Zone C has transcended a farmer-herder conflict. What we are witnessing is pure criminality orchestrated by criminal elements who are exploiting the fragile security situation to perpetrate murder, theft, arson and forceful displacement of innocent citizens.

— Ibrahim GalmaMACBAN's Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, described the escalating violence in Benue South.

The association further alleged that Fulani herders and their cattle have been targeted in multiple attacks between July 21 and July 28 in areas including Olahimu, Ipom, and Ochimosho. These incidents allegedly resulted in deaths, cattle rustling, and the displacement of herders, with some Fulani settlements in Otukpo LGA reportedly destroyed by arson.

MACBAN called for thorough investigations by security agencies and the prosecution of those responsible. Among its recommendations, the association urged the state government to form a joint peace and security committee with representatives from Idoma, Igede, Agatu, and Fulani communities. They also called for increased security deployment, an emergency peace summit, and the prosecution of perpetrators. MACBAN reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and appealed to Fulani residents to remain calm and use lawful channels for grievances, warning that the government must act to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

The Government must act now to restore normalcy before the situation degenerates beyond control.

— Ibrahim GalmaMACBAN's Secretary urged immediate government action to address the escalating violence.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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