The heart of Benue State, Nigeria, throbs with tension as conflicting narratives emerge around the alleged killing of livestock belonging to Fulani herders. The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) levels accusations against the state-sponsored security outfit, the Civil Protection Guards, claiming they are responsible for the deaths of dozens of cows and sheep, as well as the disappearance of a herder. Government officials and security agencies, however, vehemently deny these allegations, painting a picture of a much smaller, isolated incident. This discordance fuels a climate of uncertainty and mistrust, threatening to escalate the delicate balance between herders and local communities in the region.
MACBAN, the voice of the Fulani herders in Benue State, alleges a systematic campaign of violence against their members. Their chairman, Ando Mohammed, claims that Civil Protection Guards personnel, accompanied by local vigilantes, raided Fulani settlements in Ohimini Local Government Area. The alleged attack resulted in the death of over 30 cows and three sheep, and the disappearance of one herder whose fate remains unknown. Mohammed further accuses the Civil Protection Guards of perpetrating similar attacks in Katsina Ala and Guma Local Government Areas, resulting in the deaths of 22 and 24 cows respectively. These accusations paint a grim picture of targeted violence against the herders and their livelihoods.
The Benue State Government, however, offers a starkly contrasting narrative. Joseph Har, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, categorically denies any involvement of the Civil Protection Guards in the alleged attacks. He emphasizes that the security outfit operates only in conjunction with conventional security forces like the police and military, acting as a supplementary force due to their familiarity with the local terrain. Har’s assertion aims to distance the Civil Protection Guards from the violence, portraying them as an auxiliary force rather than an independent actor capable of carrying out such attacks.
Adding another layer of complexity, the chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, acknowledges receiving reports of the incident from MACBAN. He confirms that the matter has been brought to the attention of the council and security agencies, indicating that an investigation is underway. While acknowledging the allegations, Gabriel’s statement stops short of confirming or denying their veracity, suggesting that the authorities are still gathering information and assessing the situation.
Further muddying the waters, the police account of the incident differs significantly from both MACBAN’s claims and the government’s response. Police spokesperson DSP Catherine Edet reports a much smaller scale incident in Ohimini, involving the death of only one cow and one sheep. She also confirms the report of a missing person and assures that the police are actively searching for him. Interestingly, Edet denies receiving any reports of cattle killings in Katsina Ala, directly contradicting MACBAN’s accusations. This disparity between the accounts further complicates the situation and raises questions about the reliability of the information being disseminated.
The conflicting narratives and the stark difference in the reported scale of the incidents create an atmosphere of suspicion and distrust. MACBAN stands firm on its accusations, portraying its members as victims of targeted violence. The Benue State Government, however, maintains the innocence of its security outfit, attributing the incident to other factors or downplaying its severity. The police report, with its significantly lower casualty count, further adds to the confusion. This information gap fuels speculation and hinders efforts to establish a clear understanding of the events. The conflicting narratives underscore the urgent need for a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. The future stability of the region hinges on addressing the root causes of this conflict and fostering trust between the herders and the local communities.
