Fears as Children of Miyetti Allah Chairman Reportedly Killed in Enugu

Gunmen have reportedly killed two sons of the South-East Zonal Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Haruna Sale, as reported by SaharaReporters.

The incident reportedly happened at Oheoyya Community, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, when the assailants attacked their cattle settlement.

The victims, identified as Ahmadu and Umaru, were reportedly murdered on Saturday while about 40 cattle belonging to members of the association were also allegedly killed.

The incident, which has heightened concerns over security in the area, occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on July 25, according to a statement issued by MACBAN’s National Deputy Director-General, Gidado Siddiki.

The association alleged that unidentified armed men stormed the cattle camp, opened an attack on the settlement and killed the two victims before slaughtering dozens of cattle.

Although the motive behind the attack remains unclear, MACBAN described the incident as a tragic assault on law-abiding citizens engaged in legitimate livestock business.

MACBAN commended the Enugu State Government and security agencies for their prompt response after the attack but urged them to intensify investigations and ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested and prosecuted.

According to the association, security operatives later recovered the bodies of Ahmadu and Umaru from a nearby forest, allowing their families to conduct Islamic burial rites in accordance with their faith.

“We sincerely appreciate the Government of Enugu State and the security agencies for their swift intervention in recovering the bodies of the deceased from the forest,” Siddiki said.

The association stressed that its members across the South-East are engaged in lawful cattle rearing, breeding and trading activities and should be protected like every other Nigerian citizen.

It also appealed to residents of Enugu State to continue supporting peaceful coexistence between herders and host communities, saying mutual understanding remained critical to sustaining peace and economic activities in the region.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence, respect for the rule of law and collaboration with governments, host communities and security agencies to strengthen peace, security and national unity.

The latest attack comes amid lingering concerns over violent attacks involving herders and farming communities across parts of Nigeria, where disputes over land, grazing routes and criminal activities have continued to fuel insecurity.

As of the time of filing this report, the Enugu State Police Command had yet to confirm the incident or announce any arrests in connection with the alleged attack. Efforts to reach the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls.