The head of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Benue State Chapter, Alhaji Mohammed Risku, said on Thursday that unidentified gunmen disguised in military and paramilitary clothing have been responsible for the killings in some parts of the state.
Risku, who spoke to reporters in Makurdi, stated that both Fulani herders and locals have been victims of the unknown gunmen.
There have been increasing reports of raids on Benue communities and killings over the past few weeks across the state.
Two weeks ago, 17 individuals were murdered by armed individuals in Mbaikyaor in Gwer East Local Government Area of the state, and were subsequently given a mass burial.
A week later, 26 people were reportedly killed in separate attacks in the same local government area (LGA).
The MACBAN leader stated that at least 31 Fulanis, including women and children, have been victims of relentless attacks on Benue communities.
He mentioned, “Between January and April this year, about 31 Fulani individuals, including women and children, have lost their lives.
“Whenever these unidentified individuals entered the communities, they proceeded to attack our people, kill them, slaughter our cows, and even kill local farmers as well.
We have been reporting these unusual occurrences to the joint military operations covering Benue and Nasarawa states, but no action has been taken.
“The other day, 11 Fulani children were killed around Doma/Gwer West border areas. Furthermore, six Fulani herders were killed in Gwer West.
“They were on motorcycles when they were attacked and killed by unknown individuals. Similarly, in Guma LGA, one herder was attacked and killed, and his motorcycle was taken. All these killings occurred this year 2024.
The MACBAN chairman appealed for a special joint security committee by the state administration to include local farmers, local Fulani herders, and other stakeholders to oversee the internal security in the various communities facing frequent attacks and killings in the state.
Supporting the chairman’s position, the secretary of MACBAN, Alhaji Ibrahim Galma, maintained that the leadership of the Fulani herders in the state had been advocating for such a committee, but mentioned that the government had not yet approved it.
He noted that most of the present challenges experienced in the state were due to the lack of integration of the Fulani group.
Meanwhile, the state government has refuted the claim by the organization.
The Security Adviser to the governor on Internal Security, Joseph Har, said he had not witnessed any Fulani herders being killed in the state.
Har stated, “I have not seen any Fulani herders killed, only our people.
When reached for comment, the Command Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Catherine Anene, said the command was not aware of a report of unknown gunmen disguised in military and paramilitary uniforms.
She suggested that both farmers and herders should submit a formal report to the command for action.
“The command does not have the report, but if they make such claims, it is better for both herders and farmers to come together, make such a report in writing, and bring it to the police.
Anene mentioned that it will act as an intelligence report.
