MACBAN Condemns Benue Killings, Urges Gov Alia To Set Up Joint Peace Committee

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State chapter, has condemned the recurring attacks and killings in the Benue South Senatorial District, calling on Governor Hyacinth Alia to establish a joint peace and security committee to tackle the worsening insecurity in the area.

The association made the appeal on Thursday through its state secretary, Ibrahim Galma, in a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi.

Benue South Senatorial District, popularly known as Zone C, has witnessed a fresh wave of violent attacks in recent weeks, leaving many residents dead, injured and displaced.

Expressing concern over the escalating violence, Galma described the continued loss of lives as tragic and urged the Benue State Government to adopt a more inclusive approach to restoring peace in the affected communities.

He proposed that the peace and security committee should comprise representatives of the Idoma, Igede, Agatu and Fulani communities in Zone C to encourage dialogue, promote reconciliation and strengthen community-based conflict prevention.

The MACBAN scribe also appealed to the state government to enhance security deployment across communities in the senatorial district, noting that a stronger security presence would help restore confidence among residents while creating an enabling environment for peaceful coexistence.

Reaffirming the association’s commitment to peace, law and order, Galma urged Fulani communities across Benue State to remain calm and pursue legitimate grievances through lawful channels.

The statement read in part,“MACBAN Benue State Chapter calls on the Benue State Government, security agencies and traditional institutions to take immediate and decisive action.

“To constitute a Joint Peace and Security Committee comprising representatives of the Idoma, Igede and Agatu host communities, as well as Fulani stakeholders in Zone C, to foster dialogue and establish an early-warning mechanism.”

Galma further prayed for the victims of the attacks, asking Allah to grant those who lost their lives Aljannatul Firdaus and give the injured, as well as bereaved families, the strength to bear their losses.

The association maintained that collaborative engagement involving government, security agencies, traditional rulers and affected communities remains critical to addressing the recurring security challenges in Benue South and preventing further violence.