Tensions in Benue State have escalated further following fresh allegations by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State chapter, of targeted intimidation, rampant cattle rustling, and a recent killing of one of its members.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Makurdi, the association’s state chairman, Ardo Risku, and secretary, Ibrahim Galma, decried what they described as worsening hostility against Fulani herders in parts of the state. They disclosed that Sanni Hassan, one of their members, was murdered last week in North Bank, Makurdi, allegedly by suspected Tiv youths.
“We are mourning the gruesome killing of Sanni Hassan,” the association stated. “He was attacked and killed while trying to reclaim his recovered cattle in Makurdi. This is unacceptable.”
The statement also alleged a spate of cattle rustling incidents across the state. According to the group, a total of 1,185 cows and 54 sheep were stolen in Agatu and Guma Local Government Areas between 15 May and 2 June 2025. Of these, only 162 cows were reportedly recovered by the police, while the majority remain missing.
“In the middle of May 2025, 150 cows belonging to Umar Rabiu and another 130 cows of another herder were rustled in Agatu LGA,” the statement read. “On 2 June, another 905 cows and 54 sheep owned by Abubakar Abdullahi, Babangida Hassan, Samaila Baba, and Sanni Hassan were rustled near Yogbo Community in Guma LGA.”
The association revealed that 33 of the recovered animals were found with injuries and claimed that their owners, who travelled to Makurdi to retrieve the cattle recovered by police, were ambushed at North Bank. It was during that ambush that Sanni Hassan was allegedly killed.
MACBAN is now calling on the state government, the police, and other security agencies to investigate the murder and bring the perpetrators and cattle rustlers to justice. They also appealed for humanitarian support for the victims of the attacks and the family of the deceased.
“The government must act quickly. Our people are being hunted down and robbed. We demand justice and protection,” the herders insisted.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin James, confirmed receiving reports of the incidents. He assured the public that investigations were ongoing.
“We received such reports and the police are investigating the matter,” he said. “I urge the MACBAN to be patient until the outcome of police investigation.”
Also speaking, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the recovery of stolen cattle and the killing of a herder in North Bank. However, she declined to disclose the exact number of animals rustled or recovered.
“It’s true, the command has recovered some cows from rustlers and a member of the association was killed at North Bank,” she said. “We are warning those involved in cow rustling and violence to desist immediately.”
Benue State has been a flashpoint for violent clashes between farmers and herders over the years, with frequent outbreaks of violence that have claimed dozens of lives and displaced thousands. While farming communities accuse herders of invading their lands and destroying crops, herders claim they are being harassed and denied their right to livelihood.
