The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has expressed sorrow over persistent attacks and large-scale cattle rustling targeting its members.
In a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman, Ardo Risku Mohammed and the Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, the association disclosed that 150 cattle belonging to one Umar Rabiu were recently rustled in Agatu Local Government Area.
They also said an additional, about 130 cattle belonging to another herder were reportedly stolen in other communities within the same LGA, noting that none of the rustled livestock have been recovered as of the time of the statement.
MACBAN also disclosed that on June 2, 2025, a total of 905 cattle and 54 sheep belonging to four herders namely, Abubakar Abdullahi, Babangida Hassan, Samaila Baba, and Sani Hassan were rustled near Yogbo community in Guma LGA, close to the Nasarawa State border.
The association added that he Benue State Police Command intercepted some of the rustlers and recovered 162 cattle but that 33 of the recovered animals were reportedly seriously injured, while 743 cattle and 54 sheep remain missing.
The association further noted that tragically when the rightful owners traveled to Makurdi on June 3, 2025, to reclaim their recovered livestock, they were ambushed along the expressway near Lafia Garage in North Bank, Makurdi and that one of the herders, Sani Hassan, was killed during the attack, which was allegedly carried out by suspected youths.
MACBAN therefore condemned the ongoing violence and called on the Benue State government and security agencies to swiftly apprehend both the killers of Sani Hassan and the perpetrators of cattle rustling.
“All the relevant security agencies in the state are aware of these incidents. We urge the state government to not only investigate these cases thoroughly but also to support the victims in the interest of peace and justice. Our hope is that the state’s intervention will be treated with the urgency it deserves,” the statement read.
Melvin James, the Agatu LGA, told journalists in Makurdi that, “We received such report and alerted police and Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) and they are investigating the matter.”
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed rustling and rescuing of some cows to journalists but did not give the figure.
She further confirmed killing of their member at North Bank, appealing to criminals to desist from such act so as not to further heighten tension in the state.
Edet however warned that the command would not spare anyone found indulging in any criminal act such as rustling saying such people would be made to face the wrath of the law.
