Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has accused the people of Benue State of rustling over 1,000 cattle belonging to their members.
Benue State chapter of the association, which made the allegation on Sunday, also alleged intimidation, cattle rustling, and threats to life in several communities across the state.
The allegations come amid endless killing of Benue natives by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In a joint statement issued in Makurdi, the association’s Chairman and the Secretary, Ardo Risku and Ibrahim Galma, respectively, disclosed that one of their members, Sanni Hassan, was killed last Tuesday at North Bank, Makurdi, by suspected Tiv youths.
They further claimed that a total of 1,185 cows and 54 sheep were rustled between mid-May and June 2 in Agatu and Guma Local Government Areas. Of that number, the police were said to have recovered 162 cows.
The statement read in part: “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.
“Recently, 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.
“Benue State Police Command intercepted the rustlers and recovered 162 cows, of which 33 were injured, leaving 743 cows and 54 sheep unrecovered.”
They added that when the owners of the recovered cows went to Makurdi last Tuesday to retrieve them, “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 called on the Benue State Government, the Police Command, and other security agencies to investigate and apprehend the killers of their member and those responsible for the rustling.
They also urged the government to assist affected members and the family of the deceased.
When contacted, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, acknowledged the incident and confirmed that security agencies were investigating.
“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 said.
Also speaking, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the developments but did not give exact figures.
“It is true, the command has recovered some cows from rustlers and the killing of their member at North Bank,” she stated.
She urged those involved in cattle rustling to desist to prevent further tension in the state and assured that the police would ensure that culprits were brought to justice.