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Fear and anger are simmering in parts of Otukpo Local Government Area tonight following grave allegations by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) that local youths killed a Fulani herder and slaughtered at least 15 cows in a brutal attack four days ago.
MACBAN’s Benue State chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, briefed journalists in Makurdi on Sunday evening, claiming the incident began when youths from Otukpo-Nobi stormed a herders’ settlement and killed 15 cows belonging to one Alhaji Hassan Sule. According to Muhammad, the herder later returned with his young son to assess the damage along the Ondo-Ogobia axis only to be ambushed. The father was allegedly killed on the spot while the son narrowly escaped and raised the alarm, drawing other herders to the scene.
Muhammad further alleged that two men suspected to be connected to the killing arrived shortly afterwards on a motorcycle, apparently to remove the corpse, but fled when they saw the gathering herders, abandoning the bike and a locally made gun. One of the suspects was reportedly arrested by community members and handed over to security agents, only for the police to release him later, a development MACBAN says has further inflamed tensions.
The herders’ group has appealed to Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and the Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, to intervene urgently before the situation spirals into a wider conflict.
Reacting to the claims, Otukpo LGA Chairman Maxwell Ogi confirmed that the reported killing of the herder has indeed triggered serious unrest in the area. However, he stated that he is yet to receive any official report verifying the alleged slaughter of the 15 cows, stressing that investigations are still ongoing.
As at the time of filing this report, neither the police nor the state government has issued an official statement on the incident. Community leaders on both sides are said to be making frantic efforts to calm nerves, but many residents fear that any further provocation could push the fragile peace over the edge.
Otukpo, like many parts of Benue State, has witnessed recurring clashes between farmers and herders in the past. With emotions running high and conflicting narratives already in circulation, tonight the big question on everyone’s mind is whether the authorities can act swiftly enough to prevent another cycle of violence.
