The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has called on security agencies and government authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of nine pastoralists in Ika community, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The association described the attack as tragic, barbaric and capable of escalating tensions among communities if those responsible are not identified and brought to justice.
According to reports from the area, armed hoodlums invaded Ika Achelle, also known as Alifoeti village, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, attacking herders and their families living in the settlement.
Residents said the assailants allegedly killed men, women and children during the attack, while several houses belonging to pastoralist families were completely burnt down.
Local sources also claimed that more than 200 cattle were rustled during the incident, leaving many affected families devastated and without means of livelihood.
Several victims who sustained injuries in the attack were reportedly taken to Ankpa General Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
In a statement issued in Lokoja, the Kogi State Secretary of MACBAN, Suleiman Muhammed, condemned the killings and urged authorities to act swiftly to prevent further violence.
He said the repeated attacks on innocent pastoralists were dangerous and threatened peaceful coexistence among communities in the state.
“The sanctity of human life must always be protected regardless of tribe, religion or occupation. Nigeria belongs to all citizens, and every Nigerian deserves equal protection under the law,” he stated.
Muhammed called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, arrest those behind the attack and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
He also appealed to members of the pastoralist community to remain calm and avoid reprisals while allowing law enforcement agencies to carry out investigations.
MACBAN further expressed condolences to families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured victims.
The association also urged the federal and state governments, humanitarian organisations and emergency agencies to provide urgent relief materials, medical support and humanitarian assistance to displaced families affected by the violence.
According to the association, those killed in the attack include Isiaka Lawal, Larai Musa, Abdullahi Isiaka, Isah Isiaka, Saleh Isiaka, Samsiya Adamu, Asma’u Siuni, Basullube Musa and Bello Musa.
The injured victims were identified as Husseini Haruna, Abdullahi Abdullahi and Sa’ida Haruna.
Community leaders in the area expressed fears that the incident could worsen tensions between farmers and herders if urgent intervention is not carried out by authorities.
The latest attack has once again highlighted the growing insecurity affecting rural communities across parts of Nigeria, where clashes involving farmers, herders and criminal groups have continued to threaten lives and livelihoods.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Kogi State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, ASP Oyiza Afusat, had not responded to inquiries at the time this report was filed.
