The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Risku Muhammad, has been killed by unidentified gunmen in what authorities have described as a tragic ambush in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday afternoon as Muhammad and his associate, Yakubu Isah, were returning from a peace and security meeting held in the neighbouring Ohimini Local Government Area.
According to reports, the meeting was convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Idekpa to promote peace and strengthen security within the area. However, shortly after leaving the meeting, the two men were attacked by armed assailants near the Okudu community in Otukpo LGA.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on their vehicle, killing both men at the scene before fleeing.
Confirming the incident, the deceased’s son, Idris Muhammad, said his father and Isah were attacked while returning from the peace meeting. He added that the family had recovered their bodies and taken them to Oyangede for burial.
The killing has heightened fears of renewed violence in the area, with many residents expressing concern over possible reprisals and rising insecurity.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, described the situation as tense but appealed to residents not to take the law into their own hands.
“The area where the incident happened is tense right now, but I appeal for calm because the police are on top of the situation,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ohimini LGA, Gabriel Adole, confirmed that the late MACBAN chairman had attended the peace meeting before the attack. He described the killings as unfortunate and urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the attack through its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, assuring residents that an investigation had commenced.
The command said efforts were underway to identify those responsible for the killings and bring them to justice, while urging members of the public to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies.
The latest attack has once again raised concerns about the fragile security situation in parts of Benue State despite ongoing peace-building efforts.
