The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised serious concerns over what they describe as a pattern of intimidation, cattle rustling, and threats to life targeting their members across several communities in the state.
In a joint statement issued in Makurdi on Sunday, MACBAN's Chairman Ardo Risku and Secretary Ibrahim Galma revealed that one of their members, Sanni Hassan, was killed last Tuesday at North Bank, Makurdi, allegedly by suspected Tiv youths.
Large-Scale Cattle Rustling Reported
According to the association, a staggering 1,185 cows and 54 sheep were rustled between mid-May and June 2, 2025, primarily in Agatu and Guma Local Government Areas. The police have reportedly recovered only 162 of the stolen cattle.
"In the middle of May, 2025, 150 cows belonging to Umar Rabiu and another 130 cows of another herder were rustled in Agatu LGA of Benue State," the statement detailed.
The association further reported that "a total number of 905 cows and 54 sheep belonging to Abubakar Abdullahi, Babangida Hassan, Samaila Baba and Sanni Hassan were rustled on June 2, 2025, close to Yogbo community in Guma LGA of Benue State."
While the Benue State Police Command intercepted some rustlers and recovered 162 cows, 33 of these were reportedly injured, leaving 743 cows and 54 sheep still unaccounted for.
Fatal Attack During Recovery Attempt
The situation escalated when owners of the recovered cattle went to Makurdi last Tuesday to retrieve their livestock. According to MACBAN, "they were attacked along the expressway close to Laafia garage in North Bank by suspected Tiv youths, leading to the death of Sanni Hassan."
The association has called on the Benue State government, the Police Command, and other security agencies to investigate and apprehend those responsible for both the killing and the cattle rustling incidents. They also urged authorities to provide assistance to affected members and the family of the deceased.
Official Responses
When contacted, Melvin James, Chairman of Agatu LGA, acknowledged the incident and confirmed that security agencies were investigating the matter. "We received such reports that the police is investigating the matter. I urge the MACBAN to be patient until the outcome of the police investigation," he stated.
DSP Udeme Edet, the Police Public Relations Officer in Benue State, also confirmed the incidents but did not provide exact figures. "It is true, the command has recovered some cows from rustlers and has received report of the killing of their member at North Bank," she said.
The police spokesperson urged those involved in cattle rustling to desist from such activities to prevent further tension in the state and assured that law enforcement would ensure that culprits are brought to justice.
These incidents come amid ongoing tensions between herders and farming communities in Benue State, which has experienced similar conflicts in recent years.
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