MACBAN reports an increase in criminal activity in the Benue South senatorial district.

The Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ibrahim Galma, has issued an official statement regarding the situation in the Benue South Senatorial District. According to the organization's assessment, the increasing incidents of killings, arson, livestock theft, and forced displacement of citizens are no longer a result of inter-communal conflicts, but represent the actions of criminal elements.

The statement cites examples of incidents that are destabilizing the region. Specifically, on June 26, 2026, in the village of Okudu in the Otukpo Local Government Area, the Chairman of the Benue State branch of MACBAN, Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, were killed. Attacks were also recorded in the settlements of Otukpo-Nobi, Ogobia, and Efeyi.

The Association reports that between July 21 and 28, the communities of Olahimu, Ipom, Ochimoshó, Omoloye, Ofiloko, Ibagidi, and Ugene were subjected to attacks. As a result of these events, people have died, livestock has been stolen, and residents have been forced to flee their homes. Furthermore, there have been reports of arson targeting Fulani pastoralist settlements in several areas of the Otukpo Local Government.

MACBAN has appealed to state authorities and law enforcement agencies to conduct an investigation and bring those responsible to justice. The Association's proposals include the formation of a joint security and peace committee involving representatives of the Idoma, Igede, Agatu, and Fulani communities, an increased presence of security forces in the affected areas, and the holding of an emergency summit of stakeholders.

The organization urges Fulani residents to remain calm and adhere to legal norms while advocating for their interests, emphasizing the need for measures to restore order in the region.