The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has rejected claims that its members were responsible for the deadly attack on the Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The assault, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, reportedly left about 16 people dead and triggered protests by grieving youths and women, who carried the victims’ bodies to the palace of the Och’Idoma.
In a statement issued on Monday, the association’s State Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, condemned the killings and insisted that Fulani herders were not involved in the attack.
Galma urged the public to avoid making premature conclusions by attributing the incident to Fulani herders before security agencies conclude 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 expressed condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls, while calling for the restoration of peace in Otukpo and across Benue State.
