The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Benue State chapter, has distanced its members from the attack and killing of innocent people in Otukpo Nobi, Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, reportedly claimed about 16 lives.
Residents of the community alleged that armed herders carried out the attack.
Angered by the incident, youths and women stormed Ochidoma’s palace in protest, carrying the corpses of the victims.
However, in a statement issued on Monday by the state secretary of MACBAN, Ibrahim Galma, and made available to journalists in Makurdi, the association condemned the attack and the killings.
It urged the public to avoid hasty conclusions and refrain from linking the incident to Fulani herders without a proper investigation by security agencies.
While stating that no Fulani had been living in Otukpo and its environs since last year, Galma alleged that Otukpo Nobi and other neighbouring communities had existing communal disputes.
The statement read in part, “It is important for the public to note that all Fulani residents in Otukpo and its environs were forcefully evicted from the area sometime last year.
“This included their community leader in Otukpo, Chairman Yenusa, who left the state immediately after all efforts to restore peace in Otukpo failed following that incident.
“Secondly, it has come to our notice that Otukpo-Nobi and other communities in the same area, such as Okete, Amla-Icho, and Otada, already have pending communal clashes.”
The association also urged the public not to link the incident to a reprisal attack over the killing of its chairman, Ardo Risku, a few days earlier.
“Making such conclusions at this stage will only compromise the ongoing investigation being carried out by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies,” Galma said.
While calling on its members and the public to remain calm and law-abiding as security agencies investigate the incident, the MACBAN scribe also urged the authorities to monitor discussions on social media, warning that inflammatory comments could heighten tension and undermine peace efforts.
The association prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and for the restoration of peace in Otukpo and Benue State.
Punch
