The Benue State branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has issued a formal condemnation regarding the recent fatalities in Otukpo-Nobi, Otukpo Local Government Area. The organization described the incident as a tragic event and requested that the public refrain from assigning blame to Fulani herders until official security inquiries are finished.
Ibrahim Galma, the state secretary for MACBAN, conveyed condolences to the families of the victims while wishing the survivors a quick recovery. He emphasized that linking the violence to Fulani herders prematurely would be a mistake. According to Galma, all Fulani residents and their leadership were removed from the Otukpo region last year following a previous conflict.
The association highlighted that Otukpo-Nobi has a history of communal disputes involving neighboring areas such as Okete, Amla-Icho, and Otada. They also noted that reports of a separate incident in Akpachi village remain unverified. Galma specifically cautioned against connecting the Otukpo-Nobi deaths to the murder of Ardo Risku in Okudu, noting that such speculation hinders the work of the Nigeria Police Force.
Furthermore, MACBAN expressed alarm regarding social media activity surrounding the tragedy. They urged authorities to regulate unverified online commentary that could provoke further hostility. The group concluded by encouraging calm among citizens and expressing their belief that law enforcement will hold the true perpetrators accountable.
