The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has declared that the worsening insecurity across Benue South Senatorial District, also known as Zone C, is no longer a farmer-herder conflict but a wave of organised criminality threatening every community.
The association made the declaration in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, while condemning the recent killings, attacks, cattle rustling and destruction of property recorded in parts of the district. It called on the Benue State Government, security agencies and traditional rulers to act swiftly to restore law and order.
“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,” Galma stated.
MACBAN recalled the June 26, 2026 killing of its Benue State Chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, alongside his associate, Yakubu Isah, at Okudu in Otukpo Local Government Area, describing the attack as a major turning point that deepened fear and tension across Zone C. The association said subsequent attacks in communities including Otukpo-Nobi, Ogobia and Efeyi further underscored the deteriorating security situation.
It also alleged that between July 21 and July 28, several Fulani settlements in communities such as Olahimu, Ipom, Ochimosho, Omoloye, Ofiloko, Ibagidi and Ugene came under attack, resulting in deaths, cattle rustling and the displacement of herders. According to the association, some Fulani settlements in Otukpo Local Government Area were also razed by arsonists.
While sympathising with all victims of the violence irrespective of ethnicity or religion, MACBAN urged security agencies to conduct thorough investigations and prosecute all those responsible for the attacks. The association recommended the establishment of a joint peace and security committee involving representatives of Idoma, Igede, Agatu and Fulani communities, stronger security deployment in affected areas, and the convening of an emergency stakeholders’ peace summit to halt the bloodshed.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence, MACBAN appealed to Fulani residents across Benue State to remain calm and pursue their grievances through lawful means.
