MACBAN denies role in killing of 16 Benue villagers

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State chapter, has refuted claims linking its members to the recent attack that killed 16 villagers in Otukpo Nobi, Otukpo Local Government Area. The killings occurred early Sunday, with residents alleging armed herders were responsible. Protesting youths and women carried the victims' corpses to the Ochidoma's palace.

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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.

In a statement, MACBAN's state secretary, Ibrahim Galma, condemned the attack and urged the public against hasty conclusions. He emphasized that no Fulani had resided in Otukpo and its surroundings since last year, following their forceful eviction. Galma also pointed to existing communal disputes between Otukpo-Nobi and neighboring communities like Okete, Amla-Icho, and Otada.

Galma also cautioned against viewing the incident as a reprisal for the recent killing of MACBAN chairman Ardo Risku, stating such assumptions could compromise the ongoing police investigation. He called for calm among members and the public, urging authorities to monitor social media for inflammatory comments that could escalate tensions.

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Secondly, it has come to our notice that Otukpo-Nobi and other communities in the same area, such as Okete, Amla-Icho, and Otada, already have pending communal clashes.

MACBAN prayed for the repose of the victims' souls and the restoration of peace in Otukpo and Benue State, while stressing the importance of a proper investigation by security agencies before attributing blame.

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Making such conclusions at this stage will only compromise the ongoing investigation being carried out by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.