The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised concerns over increasing incidents of cattle rustling, harassment, and threats to the lives of its members in parts of the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Makurdi by the association’s chairman, Ardo Risku, and secretary, Ibrahim Galma, the group alleged that over 1,100 cows had been stolen within three weeks, and one herder had been killed.
According to the statement, suspected Tiv youths allegedly killed a herder, identified as Sanni Hassan, on Tuesday, June 3, near the North Bank area of Makurdi, while he was reportedly on his way to retrieve recovered cattle.
The group detailed that between mid-May and June 2, a total of 1,185 cows were rustled in Agatu and Guma Local Government Areas. Specifically, they claimed 150 cows belonging to one Umar Rabiu and another 130 cows from a different herder were stolen in Agatu LGA.
On June 2, an additional 905 cows and 54 sheep belonging to four other herders were rustled near Yogbo community in Guma LGA.
“Out of the stolen livestock, the Benue State Police Command recovered 162 cows, though 33 of them were found injured.
However, 743 cows and all 54 sheep remain unaccounted for,” the statement noted.
MACBAN alleged that when the affected herders travelled to Makurdi last Tuesday to retrieve the recovered animals, they were ambushed near Lafia Garage in the North Bank area, where Sanni Hassan was killed.
The association called on the Benue State Government, the police, and other security agencies to investigate the killing and bring those responsible to justice.
They also appealed for support for the affected families and compensation for members who lost their livestock.
Responding to the allegations, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, confirmed receipt of the report and said the matter was under investigation. “Security agencies are already looking into the incident.
I urge MACBAN to remain patient and await the outcome of the investigation,” he said.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the killing and the recovery of some rustled cows but did not disclose the total number recovered.
She warned against cattle rustling, noting that such acts could further escalate tensions in the region.
“The command is committed to bringing perpetrators to justice and urges communities to maintain peace,” Edet said.