The Miyeitt Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State has dissociated itself from killings in the state, while urging the government to fish out the perpetrators and ensure they are made to face the wrath of the law.
The association made this known on Sunday, through the State Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, while condemning the recent killings in Benue, adding that it looks forward to the incoming government in the state to change the narrative in the state
TNN reports that between last Monday and Friday, some suspected armed herders had attacked Igbobi, Umogidi and Mgban in Apa communities in the Otukpo and Guma Local Government Areas, killing no fewer than 86 people.
Galma noted that despite all the efforts by MACBAN to collaborate with the farmers association in the state, criminal elements are still causing havoc in the state.
Galma stated, “We condemn the attack in totality. We, MACBAN, are working hard, we are working together with the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria in the state as well as security agencies to ensure that peace and harmony are restored in the state, but bad people are still causing problem, killing here and there.”
“In fact, we see the governor-elect, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, as a good person and we hope he will change the situation and narrative in the state for the better.”
He added, “The relationship between the herders and farmers will be restored so that harmony and coexistence of the two groups will be established.”
“We have full support, respect and hope for the incoming administration, though bad elements are still causing problem in the state.”
“We are not in support of the killings. We are for peace, and we hope to give the new administration maximum support so that peace will return to the state.”
TNN gathered that the survivors of the attacks in Guma Local Government Area have fled LGEA Primary School Ngbam, where they were camping after being displaced by the attackers.
The Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, Mike Uba, told newsmen on Sunday that there was relative calm in the area due to the presence of combined security personnel deployed to the area.
He, however, said, “But all the IDPs have left the camp for fear of being attacked again. I went there this morning and saw the camp empty; and when I enquired, I was told that they had relocated”.
