The Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Ardo Muhammad, has maintained that the individuals arrested in Okpokwu Local Government Area last week were innocent travellers and not kidnappers.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Makurdi, Muhammad alleged that the four Fulani men were on their way from Benue State to Onitsha to visit family members when they came under attack.

The incident followed reports that local youths had thwarted a kidnapping attempt in the area on Wednesday, rescuing five people allegedly held by suspected abductors.

Authorities later announced that three suspects were apprehended and handed over to the police, while another person reportedly escaped.

Confirming the development, Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area, Adah Inalegwu, said the suspected kidnappers abandoned their captives after being chased by vigilante youths.

He explained that three individuals were arrested the next day, but noted that security agencies had not yet established their connection to the alleged abduction.

“They are strangers in the community. It has not yet been confirmed if they were kidnappers, but they have been handed over to the police,” the chairman said.

However, Muhammad rejected claims linking the arrested men to kidnapping activities, insisting that they were merely travelling to see their relatives in Onitsha.

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 his injuries at the scene, while the remaining two are currently receiving medical treatment.”

The MACBAN chairman urged security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly, apprehend those responsible for the attack, and ensure justice is served.

He further dismissed allegations that the men were involved in criminal activities, arguing that they were targeted solely because they were Fulani travellers moving peacefully through the area.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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