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The Benue State branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has called for a thorough investigation into the killing of a Fulani traveler and injury of two others in Okpokwu Local Government Area, alleging that the victims were attacked while on a private trip to visit family members.
In a statement issued by the state chairman of the association, Ardo Risku Muhammad, MACBAN said four Fulani men were traveling from Benue to Onitsha on June 10 when they were allegedly ambushed at the Aokpe/Ugbokolo axis in Okpokwu Local Government Area.
According to the association, one of the travelers managed to escape the attack, while three others suffered serious injuries. It said one of the injured victims later died, while the other two are currently receiving medical treatment.
Condemning the incident, MACBAN urged security agencies to act swiftly against those responsible.
“We call on security agencies to act quickly to arrest the perpetrators and ensure justice is served. This is necessary to restore order and rebuild trust in the area,” the statement said.
The association also rejected allegations circulating on social media that the victims were linked to kidnapping activities, and stressed that such claims were baseless.
“Contrary to reports circulating on social media, these people are not involved in any kidnapping-related issues,” Muhammad said.
He stated that the travelers were law-abiding people and were just passing through the area when they were attacked.
MACBAN further alleged that the victims were targeted solely because they were Fulani, and described the incident as an unprovoked attack on innocent tourists.
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However, local sources indicated that the incident may have occurred amid rising tensions in the community following separate kidnapping cases.
Residents were reportedly suspicious after a group of armed men believed to be herdsmen kidnapped five people in the area. The victims were later rescued by local residents, prompting youths in the community to arrest the Fulani travelers on suspicion that they may have links to the kidnapping.
Despite these suspicions, authorities said there was no connection between the travelers and the kidnapping incident.
Okpokwu Local Government Area Chairperson, Adah Inalegwu, said investigations were still ongoing and warned against drawing premature conclusions.
“They are strangers in society. It is not yet certain whether they are kidnappers, but they have been handed over to the police,” he said.
Until this news was published, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Police in Benue State, Udeme Edet, had not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
This development once again highlights growing concerns over communal tensions, mob justice and security challenges in some parts of Benue State, and stakeholders are calling for calm while investigations continue.
