The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Risku Muhammad, has reportedly been killed by unidentified gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
Muhammad was killed alongside his associate, Yakubu Isah, at about 2pm on Friday around Okudu community while they were returning from a peace and security meeting in neighbouring Ohimini Local Government Area.
Sources said the meeting was allegedly convened by the Divisional Police Officer in Idekpa, Ohimini LGA, as part of efforts to address security concerns in the area.
The victims were said to have left the meeting and were heading back when armed youths allegedly ambushed their vehicle and opened fire, killing both men on the spot.
The eldest son of the deceased, Idris Muhammad, confirmed the incident, saying his father and Isah were attacked shortly after leaving the peace meeting.
“They killed my father, the Ardo, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, after around 2pm while on their way from the peace meeting called by the DPO in Ohimini. We have recovered their bodies and took them to Oyangede for burial,” Idris said.
The killing has heightened tension in the area, with residents expressing fear of possible reprisals and renewed insecurity.
Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the incident, describing the security situation around the scene as tense.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, saying the police and other security agencies were already handling the situation to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“The area the incident happened is tense right now, but I appeal for calm because the police are on top of the situation,” Ogiri said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, said the late MACBAN chairman had participated in a successful peace meeting before he was attacked in Otukpo.
Adole described the incident as unfortunate, adding that security agencies had been informed and were expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, who said investigation had commenced.
Edet assured the public that the command would work to identify those behind the attack and bring them to justice.
She also urged residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with security operatives as investigation continues.
