The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, in Benue State has officially stated that its members were not involved in the recent fatal attack on the Otukpo-Nobi community. The association is pushing back against claims that have linked them to the incident.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, reportedly claimed about 16 lives and sparked protests by angry youths and women who carried the bodies of the victims to the palace of the Och’Idoma.
In a statement issued on Monday, the association’s state Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, condemned the killings and distanced Fulani herders from the attack.
Galma asked people not to jump to conclusions about the incident being caused by Fulani herders until the security agencies finish their investigations.
According to him, Fulani residents had been driven out of Otukpo and its surrounding communities since last year.
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,” the statement said.
He added that the evacuation included the Fulani community leader in Otukpo, Chairman Yenusa, who reportedly left the state after efforts to restore peace in the area failed.
The association also claimed that Otukpo-Nobi and neighbouring communities, including Okete, Amla-Icho and Otada, had existing communal disputes, suggesting that investigators should consider all possible angles.
MACBAN further dismissed suggestions that the attack was a reprisal for the recent killing of its state chairman, Ardo Risku Mohammed, in Ohimini Local Government Area.
“Making such conclusions at this stage will only compromise the ongoing investigation being carried out by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies,” Galma stated.
The association called on its members and the general public to remain calm and law-abiding while security agencies investigate the incident.
It also urged authorities to monitor inflammatory comments on social media, warning that unverified claims and hate-filled narratives could escalate tensions and undermine ongoing peace efforts.
MACBAN has expressed their condolences to the families of those who were killed. They are also praying for the repose of the victims’ souls and are calling for peace to be restored in Otukpo and throughout Benue State.
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