Miyetti Allah Vows to Fish Out Killer Herders in Benue, Nasarawa

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has pledged to lay down arms and work towards peaceful coexistence with farmers in Benue and Nasarawa States, vowing to identify and isolate elements within its ranks involved in violence.

Speaking after a high-level stakeholders meeting held in Lafia, the National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, said the association had resolved to embrace peace and contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at ending the deadly clashes between herders and farmers in the region.

“We have come together at a time of great concern and reflection. The painful and tragic loss of lives and livelihoods from the prolonged conflicts in Benue and Nasarawa is one of the most heartbreaking realities facing our region,” Ngelzarma said. “We are herders, but we are also fathers, mothers, citizens, and Nigerians with a shared destiny. We must be at the forefront of advocating for peace.”

The MACBAN leader stressed the need to disown and isolate any individuals among their members who promote confrontation or criminal activities. He acknowledged that the recurring conflicts over land, water, and grazing have had devastating consequences and that the association must take a new path rooted in dialogue and empathy.

Ngelzarma’s call for peace follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Benue State, where he sympathized with victims of recent violence. The MACBAN president praised the president’s efforts and reiterated the association’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the ongoing crisis.

He called on traditional rulers to play a more assertive role in fostering reconciliation and acting as unifying figures in their communities. “These leaders must serve as bridges between communities and beacons of wisdom and unity,” he said.

Ngelzarma also urged the government to focus on engaging the youth, warning that their frustration and idleness often make them vulnerable to manipulation and violence. He emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved when young people are empowered with education, skills, and opportunities.

“Our pastoral way of life can only continue to thrive if we live in peace with our neighbors,” he concluded.