MACBAN Alleges 57 Fulani Herders Killed, Over 4,000 Cattle Stolen in Benue
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has alleged that more than 57 Fulani herders have been killed and over 4,348 cattle stolen in Benue State in 2025 alone, without any arrests, prosecutions, or compensation for victims.
In a statement titled “Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right,” the association described the attacks as systematic and targeted, accusing both state authorities and the media of indifference.
“From January 2025 to date, over 57 herders were killed in Benue State, with over 4,348 herds of cattle stolen,” the group stated. “The most unfortunate part is the perpetrators are not arrested, nor talk of being prosecuted, nor victims compensated.”
MACBAN painted a bleak picture of Fulani pastoralists’ situation in the state, lamenting widespread displacement and alleging ethnic profiling. The group claimed many herders have been forced to flee to neighbouring Nasarawa State due to sustained attacks and fear for their lives.
The statement also highlighted figures from 2024, stating that 44 herders were killed and 328 cows stolen in Gwer West and Logo Local Government Areas (LGAs) within that year alone.
Between September and December 2024, MACBAN alleged 12 Fulani herders were killed in Logo LGA, while in January 2025, another eight were killed in Kwande LGA,268 cattle rustled or killed.
The group also cited killings in Guma, Katsina Ala, and Ukum LGAs, claiming significant human and livestock losses.
“In several cases, our members are attacked, killed, and hundreds of thousands of cattle are stolen. Their properties are destroyed, and their voices are not heard due to illiteracy, poor access to media, and living in remote areas,” the statement read.
MACBAN further alleged that “accidental aerial attacks” by the Nigerian Air Force had added to the toll on Fulani herders, causing losses running into millions of naira in places like Gwer West.
While thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent visit to Benue State, the group appealed to traditional, political, and religious leaders to stop promoting division and support genuine peace efforts.
MACBAN concluded by warning that continued injustice and silence over attacks on Fulani herders would only escalate tensions and undermine the prospects for lasting peace in the region.
