The cattle breeders association, Miyetti Allah (MACBAN), has called on the Federal Government and Benue State Government to intervene following what it says are ongoing attacks on Fulani herders in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement released on Friday, the state chairman, Ardo Muhammad, alleged that members of the Awule community, supported by personnel of the Benue State Volunteer Guard, have been attacking Fulani settlements since late August.
According to the association, six herders’ settlements were burnt down in the initial attack, 30 cows were killed, and several were stolen. One herder, identified as Isu Abdulkarim, was reportedly murdered and is yet to be found, despite repeated search efforts.
MACBAN said the assaults have continued in recent weeks, leading to further displacement and losses. The group denied claims that herders had carried out retaliatory attacks on local farmers, insisting that criminal groups within the community were responsible for the violence.
The association appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia, security agencies, and federal authorities to take urgent action to prevent further escalation and restore order. It also requested relief materials from emergency agencies for displaced herders.
The development comes days after four farmers were reported killed in Awule community, allegedly by armed herders. The Chairman of Ohimini LGA, Gabriel Adole, said the governor had been responding to the security concerns in the area.