…OPWS troops arrest three, recover arms

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has reiterated its commitment to peace, dialogue, and mutual coexistence in Benue state.

According to a statement signed and issued in Makurdi by its State Chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, the association condemned what it termed the ongoing attacks and destruction of property of its members in Ohimini Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.

According to the statement, the crisis reportedly began in late August when gunmen from the Awule community, allegedly supported by personnel of the Volunteer Guard, launched an attack on Fulani settlements in the area. Six settlements were reportedly burnt, while 30 cows were slaughtered and others rustled during the violent invasion.

MACBAN lamented the killing of a herder, Mr. Isu Abdulkarim, popularly known as Dere, who was allegedly murdered during the attack. The association said his body had not been found, despite continuous efforts by family and community members to locate his remains.

The group alleged that the violence continued on November 3, when another herder, Mr. Muhammadu Ali, was ambushed while grazing his cattle. “Several cows were reportedly killed in the attack.” The following day, Ali and his servant, Mr. Hamisu Jaube, were said to have been ambushed again while searching for the missing animals. Ali was shot dead, while Hamisu narrowly escaped.

MACBAN expressed concern that despite multiple reports filed with law enforcement agencies, including the  Police, no suspects had been apprehended. It alleged that the attackers continue to operate freely, worsening tensions in the affected communities.

“It is important to note that no single incident has occurred without MACBAN immediately reporting to the relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Police Force (Ohimini Division) and the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Makurdi.

“However, despite these reports and formal complaints, no arrests have been made to date, and the perpetrators continue to operate freely, further aggravating tensions in the area,” the statement read.

Reacting to claims that the crisis was triggered by farmland destruction, the association dismissed the narrative as misleading. It insisted that the conflict was rooted in cattle theft and deliberate attacks on herders rather than crop damage, warning against diversionary commentary.

MACBAN said the repeated violence, destruction of homes, and killings had displaced several herders in the area, causing fear and uncertainty. The association appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to order security agencies to restore normalcy, protect vulnerable communities, and bring perpetrators to justice.

The group further urged the Inspector-General of Police, Chief of Army Staff, and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the attacks thoroughly. It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and its state counterpart (SEMA) to provide relief materials to affected herders who had lost cattle, shelter, and livelihood.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent, DSP, Udeme Edet were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, troops of the military operation in the state codenamed Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) says it arrested three suspects in Ohimini LGA.

In a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, the suspects identified as John Isaac, 22; Baba Emmanuel, 17; and Sunday Thomas, 19, were intercepted along Otukpo–Enugu Road and found with a locally made pistol, cartridge, mobile phones, and cash.

The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for averting potential attacks and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining peace across Benue and adjoining states.