The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied any involvement in the deadly attack on Otukpo Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area, which claimed about 16 lives.
The association urged residents to remain calm and allow security agencies to complete their investigations before blaming any group. The appeal followed allegations by some residents that armed herders carried out the Sunday morning attack.
The killings sparked outrage in the community, with angry youths and women protesting at the Ochidoma’s palace. The demonstrators carried the bodies of the victims to the palace, demanding justice and stronger security.
In a statement issued in Makurdi, MACBAN Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, said no Fulani herders currently live in Otukpo and its surrounding communities. He explained that all Fulani residents, including their community leader, Chairman Yenusa, were forced to leave the area last year after previous crises.
Galma also noted that Otukpo Nobi, Okete, Amla-Icho and Otada have experienced longstanding communal disputes. He said the latest attack could be linked to local land or tribal conflicts rather than herders.
The association also rejected claims that the killings were carried out in retaliation for the recent murder of its chairman, Ardo Risku. It warned that such speculation could undermine the ongoing investigation by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
MACBAN called on authorities to tackle hate speech and false information spreading on social media. It warned that unverified claims could fuel ethnic tensions and trigger further violence.
The association condemned the attack, expressed sympathy to the families of the victims, and prayed for lasting peace in Otukpo and across Benue State. It maintained that only a transparent and evidence-based investigation would uncover those responsible and ensure justice.
