The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has denied allegations linking its members to the deadly attack on Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, reportedly claimed about 16 lives and sparked protests by angry youths and women who carried the bodies of the victims to the palace of the Och’Idoma.
In a statement issued on Monday, the association’s state Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, condemned the killings and distanced Fulani herders from the attack.
Galma urged the public to avoid making premature conclusions by attributing the incident to Fulani herders before security agencies conclude their investigations.
According to him, Fulani residents had been driven out of Otukpo and its surrounding communities since last year.
“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,” the statement said.
He added that the evacuation included the Fulani community leader in Otukpo, Chairman Yenusa, who reportedly left the state after efforts to restore peace in the area failed.
The association also claimed that Otukpo-Nobi and neighbouring communities, including Okete, Amla-Icho and Otada, had existing communal disputes, suggesting that investigators should consider all possible angles.
MACBAN further dismissed suggestions that the attack was a reprisal for the recent killing of its state chairman, Ardo Risku Mohammed, in Ohimini Local Government Area.
“Making such conclusions at this stage will only
