Nigerian Herders' Group Condemns Killings, Cautions Against Blaming Fulani

The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the killing of several people in Otukpo-Nobi, Otukpo Local Government Area. The association described the attack as tragic and urged the public not to attribute responsibility to Fulani herders before security agencies conclude their investigation.

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We condemn this act of violence in the strongest terms.

In a statement, MACBAN's Benue State Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, expressed sympathy to the victims and their families. "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."

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All Fulani residents in Otukpo and its environs were forcefully evicted from the area sometime last year.

The association noted 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," the statement said. MACBAN also referred to longstanding communal disputes involving Otukpo-Nobi and neighboring communities, which have previously resulted in loss of lives.

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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.

Galma appealed to authorities to monitor social media content related to the incident, expressing concern that unverified posts 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," he said. MACBAN urged its members and residents to remain peaceful, expressing confidence that security agencies would identify and prosecute those responsible.

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We have full confidence in the security agencies to unravel the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice, no matter who they are.