The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Benue State chapter has distanced its members from the recent killings in Otukpo Nobi, Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
No fewer than 16 persons were killed in the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday as residents of the community fingered armed herders.
Angered by the incident, youths and women stormed the Ochidoma’s palace in protest, carrying the corpses of the victims.
In a statement issued on Monday by the state Secretary of MACBAN, Ibrahim Galma disclosed that the association condemned the attack and the killings.
It urged the public to avoid hasty conclusions and refrain from linking the incident to Fulani herders without proper investigation by security agencies.
While stating that no Fulani had been living in Otukpo and its environs since last year, Galma alleged that Otukpo Nobi and other neighboring communities had existing communal disputes.
The statement read in part: “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.
Also Read: Herdsmen kill 16 in Benue community attack
“This included their community leader in Otukpo, Chairman Yenusa, who left the state immediately after all efforts to restore peace in Otukpo failed following that incident.
“Secondly, it has come to our notice that Otukpo-Nobi and other communities in the same area such as Okete, Amla-Icho, and Otada already have pending communal clashes.”
The association also urged the public not to link the incident to a reprisal attack over the killing of its Chairman, Ardo Risku, a few days earlier.
“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 said.
While calling on its members and the public to remain calm and law-abiding as security agencies investigate the incident, the MACBAN scribe also urged the authorities to monitor discussions on social media, warning that inflammatory comments could heighten tension and undermine peace efforts.
The association prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and for the restoration of peace in Otukpo and Benue State.
Credible News reports that late last month gunmen killed the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Risku Muhammad, and his friend, Yakubu Isah, shortly after a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area of the state.
The attack, which reportedly occurred at Okudu village in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area, has heightened fears of renewed violence in communities already troubled by recurring attacks and communal tensions.
Reports said that Muhammad had attended a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini LGA alongside community leaders and Fulani herders to discuss measures aimed at restoring peace in Ayunne Community, where several people were reportedly killed in a recent attack.
Sources said Muhammad and his companion were travelling back from the meeting when gunmen ambushed their vehicle and shot them dead.
