The Benue State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, who were ambushed and shot dead by suspected gunmen while returning from a peace meeting in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The victims were attacked on Friday afternoon along the Okwudu-Ogoli Road in Otukpo shortly after attending a peace and security meeting in neighbouring Ohimini Local Government Area aimed at easing tensions between Fulani herders and members of host communities.
Muhammad’s eldest son, Idris Muhammad, confirmed the incident, saying his father and Isah were attacked at about 2:00 p.m. after leaving the meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ohimini to address security concerns and foster peaceful coexistence.
According to him, armed assailants intercepted their vehicle and killed both men on the spot. He added that the bodies had since been recovered and taken for burial.
Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, said the peace meeting ended successfully and participants dispersed peacefully before news of the killings emerged.
“You know there was a crisis in Ayunne community where some people were killed some time ago, and the DPO convened a peace meeting involving Fulani herders and members of the community. I was informed the meeting was fruitful, but unfortunately the MACBAN chairman and his associate were ambushed and killed after leaving,” Adole said.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed that the attack occurred within his council area, describing the development as disturbing and noting that it had heightened tension in the affected communities.
“It is true that the state chairman of MACBAN was killed within Otukpo Local Government Area. The incident has created anxiety in the area, but security agencies are on top of the situation. I appeal to residents to remain calm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has condemned the killings, describing them as “senseless and criminal acts capable of undermining the peace and security efforts being sustained across the state.”
In a statement issued through the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the Commissioner announced that the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation while deploying tactical and intelligence assets to track down those responsible.
“The command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident, while tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed to identify, apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice. The command will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the culprits are arrested and prosecuted,” the statement read.
The police extended condolences to the families of the deceased and urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information capable of escalating tensions, and provide any credible information that could assist investigators.
The national leadership of MACBAN also condemned the killings, describing the attack as a “dastardly and deeply disturbing act.”
In a statement signed by the association’s National President, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, MACBAN said the circumstances surrounding the assassination of a community leader who had just participated in a peace dialogue raised serious concerns about the safety of stakeholders involved in conflict resolution.
The association called on security agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation, warning that attacks on community leaders and peace advocates threaten ongoing reconciliation efforts in communities affected by recurring violence.
The latest killings come barely two weeks after MACBAN, under the leadership of the late Risku Muhammad, condemned the killing of a Fulani traveller and the assault on others in Okpokwu Local Government Area, where the association had also demanded justice and urged security agencies to arrest those responsible.
Friday’s attack has renewed concerns over persistent insecurity in parts of Benue State despite ongoing peace initiatives involving security agencies, traditional rulers, local government authorities and community leaders seeking to reduce recurring clashes between farmers and herders.
Security agencies have assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that those behind the killings will be identified and brought to justice.
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