Fulani herdsmen not behind killings in Benue South – MACBAN

The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Mohammed Risku, has denied the involvement of Fulani herdsmen in the rising wave of insecurity in Benue South Senatorial District.

Speaking at a press conference in Makurdi on Sunday, Risku expressed shock over the repeated allegations linking Fulani herders to cases of kidnapping and violence in the region. He disclosed that he had visited all traditional rulers in Otukpo to propose the formation of a peace committee that would include youths, to jointly combat banditry and other criminal activities.

“If we join in the fight, I believe there would be no hiding place for criminal elements,” he said, appealing to community leaders, the Otukpo council chairman, and security agencies to support the initiative. Risku made the remarks in his native language, while the MACBAN state secretary, Ibrahim Galma, provided interpretation.

His statement comes amid escalating violence in Otukpo and surrounding areas, including kidnappings and killings. One of the most shocking incidents was the abduction of passengers from a Benue Links bus in the Ikobi community. On Sunday, three suspects were arrested in Ogoli in connection with the recent wave of attacks in the area.