The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised alarm over what it described as escalating intimidation, targeted killings, and large-scale cattle rustling affecting its members across the state.
In a statement jointly signed by the state chairman and secretary of the association, Ardo Risku and Ibrahim Galma, and made available to journalists in Makurdi on Sunday, MACBAN lamented the killing of one of its members, Sanni Hassan, allegedly by suspected Tiv youths at the North Bank area of Makurdi last week.
According to the association, the tragic incident is one of many that highlight the worsening security situation for herders operating in parts of Benue.
They claim that between May 15 and June 2, 2025, no fewer than 1,185 cows were rustled from their members in Agatu and Guma Local Government Areas, with only 162 animals reportedly recovered by the police.
“150 cows belonging to Umar Rabiu and 130 others owned by another herder were rustled in Agatu in mid-May,” the statement read. “On June 2, another 905 cows and 54 sheep, belonging to four of our members, were rustled near Yogbo community in Guma. The police managed to recover only 162 cows, out of which 33 sustained injuries.”
The group claimed the remaining animals are still missing, while attempts to reclaim the recovered livestock turned deadly.
“Our members travelled to Makurdi last Tuesday to collect the recovered cattle from the police, but they were ambushed near the Lafia garage in North Bank by suspected Tiv youths. In the process, Sanni Hassan was killed,” the statement added.
The association is now calling on the state government, security agencies, and other relevant authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to book.
They also demanded compensation for affected members and the family of the deceased.
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Tensions have continued to rise in the state amid recurring clashes between farmers and herders, which have led to numerous deaths, destruction of property, and forced displacements in several communities.
While residents have frequently accused herders of attacking and killing locals, MACBAN insists its members are increasingly being victimised without cause.
Reacting to the claims, Chairman of Agatu Local Government, Melvin James, confirmed receiving reports of rustling and the killing. He assured that security agencies were handling the matter.
“We received such reports and the police are investigating the matter. I urge MACBAN to be patient and await the outcome of the investigation,” he said.
Also confirming the developments, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, acknowledged the killing of a herder and the recovery of some rustled cattle.
She declined to give a precise figure of animals involved but warned against cattle rustling, urging residents to refrain from criminal acts that could further inflame tensions.
As the state grapples with this fragile situation, stakeholders continue to call for restraint, justice, and dialogue to prevent further escalation of the long-standing farmer-herder crisis in Benue.