By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State Police Command has raised concerns over increasing acts of lawlessness and alleged cattle rustling in parts of the state, following renewed violence between herders and farming communities in Guma LGA.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Emenari Ifeanyi, issued the warning during a tactical briefing last Friday with officers deployed to manage escalating tensions in Yogbo.
The meeting was prompted by reports that suspected cattle rustlers attacked a herder settlement in the area on Monday, June 2, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Mr Ifeanyi directed the Area Commander of Makurdi and the Divisional Police Officer in Daudu to collaborate with tactical teams to ensure the protection of lives and property.
He condemned mob justice and other forms of vigilante actions, stating that such conduct undermines law enforcement efforts and will not be tolerated.
“Mob actions are barbaric and unacceptable. They hinder police operations and will be met with strict legal consequences. Those involved must desist or face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
The CP urged residents to assist the police by providing credible information to help apprehend those responsible for the ongoing violence. He also shared emergency contact lines to facilitate public reporting of security incidents.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions following the expiration of a 10-day ultimatum issued by Benue traditional leaders for herders to vacate the state to allow farmers to begin the planting season. Since the deadline passed, attacks and counterattacks have persisted, leading to further casualties and displacement.
MACBAN Reports Killings and Cattle Rustling
In a statement released in Makurdi on Sunday, the Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) alleged that one of its members, Sanni Hassan, was killed last Tuesday in the North Bank area of Makurdi by suspected Tiv youths.
The statement, signed by State Chairman, Ardo Risku, and Secretary Ibrahim Galma, also claimed that 1,185 cows were rustled between mid-May and June 2 in Agatu and Guma LGAs.
According to MACBAN, only 162 cows were recovered by the police, with 33 found injured, while 743 cows and 54 sheep remain missing. The group detailed that in mid-May, 150 cows belonging to Umar Rabiu and another 130 belonging to a different herder were stolen in Agatu.
More recently, 905 cows and 54 sheep belonging to multiple herders were reportedly taken near Yogbo in Guma.
MACBAN further stated that herders retrieving recovered cattle from police custody in Makurdi were ambushed near Lafia Garage in North Bank, resulting in Hassan’s death.
The association called on the state government and security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice. They also appealed for support for affected herders and the deceased’s family.
Authorities Respond
The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, confirmed receiving reports of the incidents and stated that investigations were ongoing.
Similarly, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, verified the cattle rustling incidents and the herder’s killing in a report by Ohaneze TV.
She urged residents to avoid criminal activities and warned that the command would prosecute anyone found culpable.
The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and called for cooperation from all stakeholders to prevent further violence.
