Rustlers Invade Agatu, Guma—Miyetti Allah Alleges Cross-State Theft Syndicate

The Benue State branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has disclosed that at least 340 cattle were stolen from its members in the month of July.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the association’s secretary in the state, Ibrahim Galma, and made available to journalists in Makurdi.

According to details obtained by iReporter Online, the incidents of rustling occurred in Agatu and parts of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Galma alleged that criminal groups operating from Agatu communities had extended their activities to bordering areas in Kogi State.

The statement cited a series of coordinated attacks: On July 19, suspected rustlers from Eguma community in Agatu LGA reportedly made away with 73 cattle belonging to a Fulani herder, Sale Abubakar. As of the time of reporting, none of the animals had been recovered.

Two days later, another group allegedly stole 80 cattle belonging to Ardo Sarkin Fulani Bagana in a border location between Kogi and Agatu. Though 30 of the cattle were later recovered, 50 remain missing.

On July 24, a further 213 cattle owned by Garah Mobaba were also reported stolen by individuals said to be from Agatu communities, again near the Kogi-Benue border. Similar incidents were also reported in Guma LGA, involving not just cattle theft but also alleged attacks on herders.

The association has called on the Benue State Government to investigate these incidents, ensure justice is served, and compensate affected members as a step toward fostering peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

In response, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, James Melvin, confirmed that the matter had been reported and urged security operatives to carry out a thorough investigation. However, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, denied knowledge of cattle rustling in Agatu. He instead clarified that herders’ cattle were seized in Guma after they allegedly destroyed farmlands, and were only returned after the owners paid compensation for the damage.

Repeated efforts to contact the Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, for official comment were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.