MACBAN Accuses Vigilantes of Killing 43 Herders in Kebbi, Niger States

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has raised alarm over what it described as the brutal killing of at least 43 Fulani herders in coordinated attacks by suspected vigilante groups across Kebbi and Niger States.

According to the association, the killings, which occurred between October 24 and 26, targeted several rural settlements in Argungu, Arewa, and Bunza Local Government Areas of Kebbi State. Dozens of residents were reportedly killed, homes razed, and families displaced.

Security expert Zagazola Makama, who first disclosed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), said at least 37 people were confirmed dead in the Kebbi attacks alone, while more than 200 houses were destroyed. He added that many women and children remain missing.

MACBAN, in a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bello Aliyu Gotomo, described the violence as “unjustified and inhumane,” warning that such extra-judicial actions by self-styled vigilante groups could escalate the country’s security crisis.

“Now, in addition to threats from bandits who extort and harass herders, peaceful Fulani communities are being attacked by vigilantes acting outside the law,” Gotomo said. “Allowing people to take the law into their hands will only worsen insecurity across the country.”

The association also lamented a similar incident in Niger State, where six herders were reportedly killed and more than 60 houses burnt in Edati Local Government Area on September 21.

MACBAN said the violence followed a disagreement between a farmer and a herder — the latter already in police custody before the attack — suggesting the killings were retaliatory.

The group, however, commended Niger State Governor’s quick response, saying his intervention helped prevent the conflict from spreading.

Call for Government Intervention

MACBAN urged federal and state authorities to urgently address growing insecurity in rural areas, stressing that both farming and livestock production have been severely affected.

“The security situation in rural communities requires immediate and coordinated attention from all tiers of government to protect lives and livelihoods,” Gotomo added.