 has raised concerns over escalating incidents of harassment, cattle rustling, and threats to the lives of its members in parts of the state.){kind=link}
The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised concerns over escalating incidents of harassment, cattle rustling, 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 state chairman, Ardo Risku, and secretary, Ibrahim Galma, MACBAN claimed that its members are increasingly becoming targets of violent attacks.
According to the group, one of its members, Sanni Hassan, was reportedly killed by suspected Tiv youths last Tuesday in the North Bank area of Makurdi.
The association further alleged that over 1,100 cattle have been stolen between mid-May and June 2, 2025, particularly in Agatu and Guma Local Government Areas. Out of this number, the Benue State Police Command has so far recovered 162 cows, although 33 were reportedly injured, leaving over 740 still missing.
Detailing the timeline of incidents, the group noted that 150 cows belonging to one Umar Rabiu and another 130 owned by a different herder were rustled in Agatu LGA in mid-May.
On June 2, a combined total of 905 cows and 54 sheep reportedly owned by Abubakar Abdullahi, Babangida Hassan, Samaila Baba, and the late Sanni Hassan were rustled near Yogbo community in Guma LGA.
Tragedy struck when some of the affected herders went to Makurdi to retrieve the recovered cattle from police custody.
They were allegedly ambushed near Lafia Garage in the North Bank area, resulting in the death of Sanni Hassan.
The association has called on the Benue State Government, the state police command, and other security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into both the killing and the cattle rustling incidents.
They also appealed for support for the bereaved family and compensation for those whose livestock were stolen.
Responding to the allegations, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin James, confirmed receipt of the report and assured that the matter is currently under investigation by security agencies.
He urged the association to remain calm and await the outcome of the probe.
Also speaking on the issue, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the recovery of stolen cattle and the killing of a MACBAN member.
While she declined to specify the exact number of animals recovered, she affirmed that the command is actively pursuing those involved in the rustling.
DSP Edet further warned criminal elements to desist from cattle theft, stressing that the police would not hesitate to bring perpetrators to justice in order to prevent further escalation of tensions in the state.