The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State chapter, has strongly condemned the brutal murder of one of its members, Sani Hassan, and the large-scale rustling of 1,185 cattle and 54 sheep belonging to its members in Agatu and Guma Local Government Areas (LGAs). The incidents, which occurred between mid-May and early June 2025, have caused significant economic losses and heightened tensions in the region. MACBAN has called on the Benue State government and security agencies to conduct thorough investigations, apprehend the perpetrators, and provide relief to the affected herders.
According to a statement signed by MACBAN’s Benue State Chairman, Ardo Risku, and Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, on June 8, 2025, the rustling incidents began in Agatu LGA, where 150 cattle belonging to Umar Rabiu were stolen in mid-May. Shortly after, another herder, Abu Umaru, reported the theft of 130 cattle in the same area, bringing the total number of cattle rustled in Agatu to 280. These losses have severely impacted the livelihoods of the affected herders, who rely on their livestock for sustenance and income.
The situation escalated in Guma LGA on June 2, 2025, when 905 cattle and 54 sheep were rustled from four herders near Yogbo community. The scale of this theft, described by MACBAN as one of the largest in recent times, underscores the growing challenge of cattle rustling in Benue State. The Benue State Police Command responded swiftly, recovering 162 of the stolen cattle, though 33 were injured and required veterinary attention, leaving 743 cattle and 54 sheep still missing.
On June 3, 2025, the situation took a tragic turn when herders traveled to Makurdi to retrieve the recovered cattle from police custody. Near Lafia Garage in the North Bank area, they were ambushed by suspected Tiv youths, resulting in the death of Sani Hassan. MACBAN described the attack as unprovoked and urged authorities to investigate the killing and ensure justice for the victim’s family.
The economic impact of these incidents on the herders is profound, as the stolen livestock represents years of investment and labor. MACBAN highlighted that the unrecovered 743 cattle and 54 sheep from Guma LGA alone are valued at millions of naira, pushing the affected families into financial distress. The association emphasized the need for immediate government intervention to provide compensation or support to mitigate the losses.
Agatu LGA Chairman, Melvin James, confirmed the rustling incidents in his jurisdiction and noted that security forces, including the police and Operation Whirl Stroke, were actively investigating. He expressed concern over the recurring nature of such attacks and called for collaborative efforts to address the root causes of the conflicts. However, James did not provide specific details on the number of livestock stolen or recovered in Agatu.
The Benue State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, acknowledged the incidents but declined to confirm the exact figures provided by MACBAN. The police stated that investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend the rustlers and those responsible for Sani Hassan’s death. They also urged community leaders to promote dialogue to prevent further violence.
MACBAN’s statement also pointed to broader issues of insecurity in Benue State, particularly the frequent clashes between herders and farmers. The association noted that while efforts have been made to enforce the state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law, implemented in 2017, the lack of designated grazing reserves has exacerbated tensions. MACBAN reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence and urged the government to establish clear policies to regulate herding activities.
The rustling and killing have sparked concerns among local residents, who fear retaliatory attacks could further destabilize the region. Community leaders in Agatu and Guma have called for calm and urged security agencies to deploy additional personnel to prevent escalation. The incidents have also reignited debates over the need for comprehensive livestock management reforms in Nigeria.
In its appeal, MACBAN specifically requested that the Benue State government provide emergency relief to the affected herders, including financial assistance and access to veterinary services for the injured cattle. The association also called for the establishment of a task force to tackle cattle rustling, which it described as a growing menace across the state. These measures, MACBAN argued, would help restore confidence among herders and reduce the likelihood of further conflicts.
The killing of Sani Hassan has drawn particular attention, with MACBAN describing it as a targeted attack on herders. The association alleged that the assailants, suspected to be Tiv youths, were motivated by ethnic animosities, a claim that has not been independently verified. The police have promised a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances of the attack and bring the culprits to justice.
Historical data from Benue State indicates that cattle rustling and herder-farmer conflicts have been persistent challenges, with hundreds of lives lost and billions of naira in economic losses over the past decade. The state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law, while aimed at reducing clashes, has faced implementation challenges, including resistance from some herding communities. Analysts suggest that addressing these issues requires a combination of security measures, policy reforms, and community engagement.
MACBAN’s condemnation of the incidents has been echoed by other stakeholders, including livestock traders and farmers’ associations, who have called for an end to the cycle of violence. The Benue State government has yet to issue an official statement on the specific incidents, but Governor Hyacinth Alia has previously emphasized the need for peacebuilding initiatives. The government’s response in the coming days will likely influence the trajectory of the situation.
The affected herders, meanwhile, are grappling with the immediate consequences of their losses. Many have been forced to relocate to safer areas, while others are seeking assistance from local authorities and NGOs. The psychological toll of the violence, particularly the loss of Sani Hassan, has further compounded their challenges.
Security experts have warned that without decisive action, cattle rustling could fuel broader instability in Benue State, given its economic and social implications. They advocate for the use of technology, such as GPS tracking for livestock, and increased collaboration between state and federal security agencies. These measures, they argue, could deter rustlers and improve recovery rates for stolen animals.
MACBAN has also appealed to the federal government to address the national dimensions of cattle rustling, which often involves cross-border networks. The association noted that stolen livestock are frequently transported to neighboring states or countries, complicating recovery efforts. A coordinated national strategy, MACBAN suggested, would be critical to tackling the problem.
As investigations continue, the people of Agatu and Guma LGAs remain on edge, with fears of further attacks lingering. The incidents have underscored the fragility of peace in Benue State and the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the herder-farmer crisis. MACBAN’s call for justice and support reflects the broader aspirations of herding communities seeking security and stability in the region.
