Fulani militia kill 21 Christians in Benue State following the slaying of two MACBAN leaders. Violence hits Kwande, Okpokwu, and Katsina-Ala LGAs.
July 6, 2026 – Makurdi, Benue State
At least 21 Christians were killed in related attacks across three local government areas of Benue State, officials said, in what security analysts have described as reprisal violence following the killing of two Fulani leaders.
According to local officials, residents and community leaders, the attacks followed 10 days after the deaths of two leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). The violence, which occurred in Kwande, Okpokwu, and Katsina-Ala local government areas, has heightened fears of another cycle of retaliatory violence in a region that has experienced years of deadly clashes between armed Fulani militias and predominantly Christian farming communities.
The Killing That Sparked the Violence
The violence follows the June 26 killing of MACBAN Chairman, Ardo Mohammed Risku and his associate, Yakubu Isah, in Okudu community, Otukpo LGA, after they attended a peace and security meeting in neighboring Ohimini. According to reports, the two victims were ambushed and killed at about 2 p.m. on Friday along the Okudu axis of Otukpo Local Government Area. The Benue State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing.
Four Killed in Kwande LGA
Residents said armed Fulani militia attacked Christian farmers in Anyiase community, Moon Ward, Kwande Local Government Area, on July 2, killing Asongo Nagwebe and Tarzan Agbahegh and injuring more than 10 others. A third victim later died while being transported for medical treatment. The following day, a group of Fulani reportedly blocked the Anyiase-Ikyogen road and opened fire on a commercial vehicle carrying civilians fleeing the violence, killing another passenger.
Kwande Chairman Vitalis Terhile confirmed the attacks in a telephone interview with TruthNigeria. "I received reports about the killing of four of my people by armed Fulani terrorists in Anyiase. I immediately mobilized military personnel to the affected communities and security has since been reinforced. I also met with residents and assured them that additional measures are being taken to protect lives," Terhile told TruthNigeria.
Two Killed in Okpokwu
On Tuesday, June 30, armed Fulani attackers invaded Okpafie community in Okpokwu, killing two residents and making away with more than 40 cattle, according to residents. Lawrence Okoh, a resident of Okpafie, told TruthNigeria the attackers struck while many local volunteer guards were watching a FIFA World Cup match.
"More than 20 armed Fulani militia attacked our community around 8 p.m. Benjamin was killed during the assault. Our youths later mobilized to confront them, but the attackers had superior weapons. One of our volunteer guards was also killed and over 40 cattle were taken," he said.
Fifteen Killed in Katsina-Ala
The deadliest attack occurred in Sai community, Mbajir Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, where residents said about 100 armed Fulani terrorists launched coordinated assaults between June 30 and July 1 killing 15 locals. At least 15 Christians were killed and 10 others injured.
A resident of Sai community told Premium Times that the attackers came in large numbers around 1 a.m. when everybody had gone to bed and started shooting people in their sleep. "The attack caused panic as people struggled to escape," the resident said.
Governor Condemns Attacks
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as "a senseless assault on innocent citizens." "This attack is an ugly, cowardly and unacceptable act of violence, particularly at a time when our farmers have returned to their ancestral lands," the governor said in a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula.
Governor Alia has ordered immediate security deployment to the affected communities and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Calls for MACBAN to Be Designated as Terrorist Organization
Security analyst and conflict researcher, retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, Abichele John said the killings illustrate a dangerous pattern of violence in the Middle Belt. Nigerian civil society groups and several U.S. lawmakers have urged the United States to consider designating the MACBAN as a terrorist organization, citing persistent insecurity linked to armed Fulani militias.
Fulani ethnic militia are the 4th most deadly group, killing more than Boko Haram and Islamic State according to the Global Terror Index, Christian Solidarity Worldwide has reported. A U.S. report also linked 30,000 Fulani militants to Nigeria's insecurity.
Why This Matters
The attacks in Benue State are part of a broader pattern of violence that has plagued the Middle Belt for years. The region has experienced repeated cycles of retaliation between armed Fulani militias and Christian farming communities, leading to thousands of deaths and mass displacements. The killing of two MACBAN leaders and the subsequent reprisal attacks highlight the fragility of peace in the region and the urgent need for a comprehensive security strategy. The calls for MACBAN to be designated as a terrorist organization reflect growing frustration with the inability of security agencies to protect vulnerable communities.
Key Facts
Total killed: At least 21 Christians across three LGAs
LGAs affected: Kwande, Okpokwu, Katsina-Ala, Benue State
Trigger: June 26 killing of MACBAN Chairman Ardo Mohammed Risku and Yakubu Isah
Kwande attack: July 2 – 4 killed, 10+ injured
Okpokwu attack: June 30 – 2 killed, 40+ cattle stolen
Katsina-Ala attack: June 30–July 1 – 15 killed, 10 injured
Governor's response: Hyacinth Alia condemned attacks, ordered manhunt
International dimension: Calls for MACBAN to be designated as terrorist organization
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