The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) says the security crisis in Benue South has evolved beyond farmer-herder clashes into organised criminality involving killings, cattle rustling and displacement.
MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised fresh concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Benue South Senatorial District, warning that the violence in the area has gone beyond the traditional farmer-herder conflict.
The association said the killings, cattle rustling, arson attacks and displacement recorded in recent weeks now reflect organised criminal activities carried out by criminal elements exploiting the fragile security situation in the region.
In a statement released on Thursday, MACBAN described the crisis in Benue South, also known as Zone C, as "pure criminality orchestrated by criminal elements who are exploiting the fragile security situation to perpetrate murder, theft, arson and forceful displacement of innocent citizens."
According to MACBAN, the latest wave of violence follows the June 26 killing of its Benue State chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, and subsequent attacks in communities such as Otukpo-Nobi, Ogobia and Efeyi.
The association also alleged that between July 21 and July 28, attacks targeted Fulani communities and their livestock in several locations, including Olahimu, Ipom, Ochimosho, Omoloye, Ofiloko, Ibagidi and Ugene.
MACBAN claimed that the incidents resulted in deaths, cattle rustling and the displacement of many families.
The group, however, stressed that innocent residents from all communities, farmers and herders alike, have suffered the consequences of the escalating violence.
To address the crisis, MACBAN called on the Benue State Government to establish a joint peace and security committee comprising representatives of host communities, Fulani leaders, traditional rulers and security agencies.
The association said such a platform would promote dialogue, improve intelligence gathering and help de-escalate tensions in the affected areas.
According to MACBAN, lasting peace can only be achieved through cooperation among all stakeholders and a commitment to justice and accountability.
The latest concerns come amid renewed attacks in parts of Benue South, particularly in Otukpo Local Government Area, where recent assaults on communities in Ugboju District left several people dead and many others injured.
Security experts have warned that the increasing complexity of the violence, which now includes banditry, cattle rustling and reprisal attacks, requires a comprehensive response that goes beyond conventional conflict-resolution mechanisms.
Benue State remains one of Nigeria's major agricultural hubs, and persistent insecurity threatens farming activities, food production and economic stability in the region.
Analysts say the transformation of local disputes into organised criminality could further complicate peace efforts if urgent measures are not taken.
Residents, traditional institutions and security agencies are expected to intensify consultations aimed at restoring peace in affected communities.
The Benue State Government has yet to officially respond to MACBAN's latest proposal for a joint peace and security committee.
Prime Brief Media will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as more information becomes available.
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