The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State chapter, has denied any involvement in the recent killing of 16 residents in Otukpo Nobi, located in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
The tragic attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, left the community in shock as lives were lost in what residents initially alleged to be an assault by armed herders.
In reaction to the incident, angry youths and women staged a protest at the Ochidoma’s palace, carrying the bodies of the victims to express their grief and demand justice.
However, MACBAN, in a statement issued by its state secretary, Ibrahim Galma, condemned the killings and urged the public not to hastily link the attack to Fulani herders without proper investigation.
The association stated that Fulani residents had already been driven out of Otukpo and surrounding communities since last year, making it unlikely for its members to be responsible for the attack.
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According to Galma, “All Fulani residents, including their community leader, were forcefully evicted from Otukpo after previous conflicts. Linking this incident to them without evidence is misleading.”
He further pointed out that some communities in the area, including Otukpo-Nobi, Okete, Amla-Icho, and Otada, have been experiencing ongoing communal disputes, which could be a contributing factor.
MACBAN also dismissed claims that the attack was a reprisal for the recent killing of its chairman, Ardo Risku, warning that such assumptions could interfere with ongoing investigations.
The group called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation into the incident.
It also urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading inflammatory statements on social media, and allow authorities to determine those responsible.
MACBAN expressed condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for peace and stability to return to Otukpo and the entire Benue State.
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