Two sons of the South-East Zonal Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) were killed on Saturday, July 25, 2026, when gunmen attacked a cattle camp in Oheoyya Community, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The attack also left approximately 40 cattle dead, according to a statement by the association's national deputy director-general, Gidado Siddiki.
Victims Identified as Ahmadu and Umaru
The slain individuals, named Ahmadu and Umaru, were the children of Alhaji Haruna Sale, the South-East Zonal Chairman of MACBAN. The assault occurred around 5:00 p.m., and the assailants remain unidentified. The Enugu State government and security agencies responded swiftly, recovering the bodies of the deceased from the forest and enabling Islamic burial rites for the families.
“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 in the statement reported by Vanguard and NTA News.
MACBAN Calls for Investigation and Justice
The association urged security agencies to deepen their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killings and ensure that those responsible face justice. Beyond accountability, MACBAN reaffirmed that its members’ activities in the south-east—cattle rearing, breeding, and trading—are lawful under Nigerian law.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about herder-community conflicts in the region. MACBAN appealed to Enugu residents to continue fostering peaceful relations between herders and host communities, emphasizing the importance of harmonious coexistence for their livelihoods.
Appreciation for Governor Peter Mbah
MACBAN specifically expressed appreciation to Governor Peter Mbah, traditional rulers, community leaders, faith-based organisations, and residents of Enugu State for their continued goodwill toward its members. The association reiterated its commitment to the rule of law and collaboration with governments and security agencies to promote national unity.
The incident comes amid ongoing tensions between herders and farming communities in parts of Nigeria. In a related development, former Senator Shehu Sani recently praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s creation of a livestock development ministry, expressing hope that it would reduce territorial conflicts.
