By Peter Duru, Makurdi
The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the alleged attack on four Fulani men in Okpokwu Local Government Area, calling on security agencies to arrest those responsible and ensure justice.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, MACBAN said the victims were attacked on June 10, 2026, while travelling from Benue State to Onitsha to visit relatives.
The association alleged that the incident occurred in the Aokpe/Ugbokolo community, where the travellers were ambushed by some residents.
According to MACBAN, one of the four victims escaped, while three sustained serious injuries. It added that one later died from his wounds, while two others are currently receiving treatment.
“We call on security agencies to act swiftly to arrest the perpetrators and ensure justice is served. This is necessary to restore order and rebuild confidence in the area,” the statement read.
MACBAN dismissed social media reports linking the victims to kidnapping activities, describing such claims as false and misleading.
“Contrary to reports circulating on social media, these men were not involved in any kidnapping-related matter,” Muhammad said.
He maintained that the victims were attacked simply because they were Fulani travellers moving peacefully through the area.
However, it was gathered that the victims were allegedly apprehended by youths in the community following a separate kidnapping incident in which five persons were abducted by armed men suspected to be herders, before later being rescued by vigilantes.
The youths reportedly suspected the travellers were linked to the attack.
The Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area, Adah Inalegwu, however said security agencies had not established any link between the arrested persons and the crime.
“They are strangers in the community. It has not yet been confirmed whether they were kidnappers, but they have been handed over to the police,” he said.
Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet had yet to comment on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
