Prominent voice Franc Utoo has strongly criticized Miyetti Allah following the recent killing of Alhaji Ardo Risku, Chairman of the Benue State Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), in Ohimini Local Government Area.
While condemning every extrajudicial killing and acknowledging that “the death of any human being diminishes me,” Utoo insisted he personally knew Risku and had attended several peace meetings with him, including one held at Yelwata Primary School on May 15, 2020. He claimed every meeting with Miyetti Allah leaders ended with justifications for killings in Benue and proposals that, according to him, were aimed at taking over people’s ancestral land.
Utoo alleged that for years, Miyetti Allah leadership has been linked to attacks across several Benue communities including Guma, Gwer West, Agatu, Apa, Ohimini, Okpokwu, Kwande, Makurdi, Buruku, Logo, Ukum, and Katsina-Ala. He further alleged that Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore leader Bello Bodejo is facing terrorism financing and money laundering charges, claiming ransom money is used to buy arms.
He asserted that the United States Congress designated Miyetti Allah groups as global terrorist organizations alongside groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, Taliban, Al-Shabaab, Houthis, ISIS, ISWAP, and Boko Haram. Utoo also claimed there is no killing carried out by Fulani attackers in the listed areas in which members of Miyetti Allah are not involved or do not aid.
Referring to the Yelwata killings, Utoo alleged that several Miyetti Allah leaders are facing charges over the incident. He suggested the recent killing of Ardo Risku could be linked to internal leadership struggles within the group, citing a similar case in Nasarawa State where a former chairman was killed during a leadership tussle.
Utoo concluded by insisting that, in his view, no member of Miyetti Allah is innocent of the bloodshed in Benue, comparing the organization to other designated terrorist groups.
Meanwhile, police have arrested ten suspects in connection with the killing of Ardo Risku. The suspects are Titus Thyodenda (25), Utibe Sam (20), Owoicho Ameh (18), Sunday Useni (21), Sunday Ogbanje (46), Daniel Raphael (23), Adokole John (24), Samuel Ogazi (32), Agbo Daniel (25), and Onazi James (30).
Utoo’s remarks have sparked reactions as the security situation in parts of Benue State remains tense.
