BREAKING: Fulani herdsmen disown VDM’s claim, deny role in Otukpo massacre

The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied claims by social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), alleging that the association admitted its members were responsible for the recent deadly attack on Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Monday, the association distanced itself and Fulani herders from the attack, insisting that no such admission was made and urging the public not to link the killings to its members without the outcome of security investigations.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, reportedly claimed about 16 lives. Following the incident, angry youths and women staged a protest at the Och’Idoma’s palace, carrying the bodies of the victims.

The association’s State Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, condemned the killings and dismissed allegations that Fulani herders carried out the attack.

He said the public should refrain from drawing conclusions before security agencies conclude their investigations.

“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,” Galma said.

According to him, the eviction included the Fulani community leader in Otukpo, Chairman Yenusa, who left the area after efforts to restore peace failed.

Galma further stated that Otukpo-Nobi and neighbouring communities, including Okete, Amla-Icho and Otada, have longstanding communal disputes that investigators should also examine.

The association also rejected suggestions that the killings were carried out in retaliation 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,” the statement said.

MACBAN called on its members and the general public to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations continue.

The association also urged security agencies to monitor inflammatory comments on social media, warning that unverified claims could heighten tensions and undermine efforts to restore peace.

It expressed condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for lasting peace in Otukpo and Benue State.