Mohammed Risku, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has denied that Fulani herdsmen are responsible for the recent killings and rising insecurity in the Benue South Senatorial District.
At a press conference held in Makurdi on Sunday, Risku expressed his surprise at the accusations of kidnapping directed at Fulani herdsmen in the region. He also revealed that he had met with all the traditional rulers in Otukpo to propose the creation of a peace committee that would include local youth to collaborate in the fight against banditry.
Risku emphasized, “If we come together in this effort, there will be no hiding place for these criminals. I’m appealing to the people of Otukpo, including the chairman and all security agencies, to help establish a peace committee. This would make it easier to identify and address the criminal elements causing harm.”
The MACBAN chairman made his remarks in his native language, with the State Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, providing translation.
The Otukpo community in Benue South has recently witnessed a spike in violent incidents, including killings, kidnappings, and other forms of insecurity, further escalating tensions in the area.