Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, has claimed that suspects arrested in connection with a kidnapping case in Okpokwu Local Government Area are innocent travellers and not kidnappers. Muhammad made the assertion in a statement on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, contradicting reports that the men were part of a kidnap syndicate operating in the area.
According to the MACBAN chairman, the four Fulani men were travelling from Benue State to Onitsha, Anambra State, to visit their relatives when they were allegedly ambushed by members of the community. He said, “The four Fulani men arrested were travellers going from Benue State to Onitsha to visit their relatives. One of them managed to escape. The other three were severely beaten. One of them later died from injuries sustained during the attack, while the remaining two are currently receiving medical treatment.”
The incident occurred last week when youths in the Okpokwu area reportedly foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued five victims. A day later, three suspects were arrested and handed over to the police, while a fourth suspect escaped. However, the Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area, Adah Inalegwu, who confirmed the incident, noted that security agencies had yet to establish the involvement of the arrested men. “They are strangers in the community. It has not yet been confirmed whether they were kidnappers, but they have been handed over to the police,” Inalegwu said.
Muhammad dismissed claims linking the men to kidnapping, alleging that they were attacked solely because of their Fulani identity. He called on security agencies to investigate the attack, arrest those responsible, and ensure justice is served. “This would help restore order and rebuild confidence in the area,” he stated.
The Benue State Police Command has not issued an official statement on the matter, and it remains unclear whether the suspects will be charged or released. The incident underscores the recurring tensions between farming and herding communities in Benue State, where ethnic and resource-based conflicts have often led to violence and accusations of criminality. As of Wednesday, June 17, 2026, no further update has been provided by authorities regarding the status of the arrested men or the investigation into the kidnapping case.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments