The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied any involvement of Fulani herdsmen in the ongoing killings and violence that have plagued the Benue South Senatorial District. The Chairman of MACBAN, Mohammed Risku, addressed the growing insecurity in the region during a press conference in Makurdi on Sunday, stressing that the herders should not be blamed for the crimes that have been affecting the area.
Benue South has been grappling with a rising wave of violence, which includes kidnappings, killings, and attacks on local communities. The Otukpo area, in particular, has witnessed several shocking incidents in recent weeks, including a highly publicized attack on a Benue Links bus in the Ikobi community. All passengers aboard the bus were kidnapped, causing widespread fear and concern among the residents.
The escalation of violent activities has led to increasing tension in the region, with various communities and local leaders pointing fingers at the Fulani herdsmen, accusing them of being behind the wave of criminal activities. These allegations have sparked a heated debate about the role of herders in the ongoing security challenges in the area.
However, in his address, Risku vehemently rejected these accusations, stressing that the Fulani herdsmen in the region are not responsible for the violence. “I am surprised that the Fulani herdsmen are being blamed for the kidnappings and killings in Benue South,” Risku said, adding that such accusations were unfair and unfounded.
In his efforts to address the insecurity, Risku revealed that he had met with traditional rulers in Otukpo to propose the establishment of a peace committee. The proposed committee, according to Risku, would include members of the youth, traditional leaders, and security forces. The goal would be to work together in tackling the menace of banditry and ensuring the safety of the people in the region.
“We need to come together to fight this common enemy,” Risku emphasized. “If we join forces, I believe there will be no hiding place for criminal elements. I am begging the people of Otukpo, including the chairman and all security personnel, to allow us to form this peace committee. It will make it easier to trace and apprehend the criminals causing the mayhem.”
Risku’s call for unity in the fight against insecurity is seen as an attempt to bridge the gap between Fulani herdsmen and the local communities in Benue South. He suggested that the involvement of all parties in the peace committee could help to address the root causes of the violence and promote a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts.
The MACBAN chairman’s remarks were delivered in his local language, with Ibrahim Galma, the State Secretary of MACBAN, providing the interpretation during the press conference. This signified the seriousness with which Risku sought to address the crisis in a manner that resonates with the local population.
While MACBAN has distanced the herdsmen from the violence, local security agencies have been actively investigating the recent wave of attacks. On Sunday, three suspects were arrested in the Ogoli area in connection with the kidnappings and killings in Otukpo and other parts of Benue South. This has raised hopes that authorities are beginning to make progress in their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The arrests come amid growing pressure on the government to improve security in the region, especially in light of the frequent attacks on local communities. Many residents of Otukpo and neighboring towns have expressed frustration over the lack of adequate protection, with some even questioning the effectiveness of local security forces.
In response to these concerns, Risku urged local authorities to prioritize the safety of all citizens, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. He emphasized that the focus should be on fighting the criminal elements responsible for the violence, rather than blaming an entire group for the actions of a few.
“The real enemies are those who engage in criminal activities, not innocent herders who are trying to make an honest living,” Risku stated. “It is important that we do not allow the actions of a few individuals to tarnish the reputation of an entire community.”
The issue of Fulani herdsmen and their role in the insecurity in various parts of Nigeria has been a subject of controversy for many years. While some argue that the herdsmen have been unfairly blamed for crimes committed by other groups, others point to the growing presence of armed herders in rural areas as a potential factor contributing to violence. The debate over the role of herdsmen in the security challenges of Nigeria’s Middle Belt has sparked tensions between farming communities and pastoralists, leading to violent clashes in several states.
In the case of Benue South, the accusations against Fulani herdsmen have led to heightened distrust and division among different ethnic groups. While some local leaders and citizens insist that herders are behind the insecurity, others, including MACBAN, insist that criminal gangs and bandits from other regions may be using the herders’ presence in the area to conceal their activities.
Risku’s statement in Makurdi reflects the broader desire to avoid scapegoating any one group and to focus on finding practical solutions to the region’s security challenges. By calling for a peace committee and collaboration between various stakeholders, MACBAN hopes to shift the conversation toward cooperative efforts that can lead to lasting peace.
The growing insecurity in Benue South presents a serious challenge to both local communities and authorities. The rise in kidnappings, killings, and other violent crimes has left residents on edge and has highlighted the need for a coordinated response to address the root causes of the violence. MACBAN’s call for a peace committee, supported by traditional leaders and security forces, could be an important step toward de-escalating tensions and fostering cooperation between Fulani herdsmen and their host communities.
The recent arrests in Ogoli, along with MACBAN’s proposal for a peace initiative, demonstrate that efforts are underway to tackle the violence head-on. However, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to restore peace in the region.
As the situation continues to unfold, both the state government and local communities will need to come together to ensure that the security challenges in Benue South are addressed in a fair, inclusive, and sustainable manner. The ultimate goal should be to create a peaceful environment where all groups can coexist and thrive, free from fear and violence.
