The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, have been killed by unidentified gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were reportedly ambushed on Friday while returning from a peace and security meeting held in neighbouring Ohimini Local Government Area. According to reports, the meeting had been convened by security authorities to address growing tensions and promote peaceful coexistence.
Witnesses said the attackers intercepted the vehicle carrying the two men around the Okudu community and opened fire, killing them on the spot before fleeing the scene.
The eldest son of the deceased, Idris Muhammad, confirmed the incident, stating that the bodies had been recovered and taken to Oyangede for burial.
Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, described the attack as disturbing, warning that it had heightened tensions in the area. He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies were working to prevent any further escalation.
The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, also confirmed that the victims had attended the peace meeting before they were attacked shortly after leaving the venue.
The Benue State Police Command said it had launched an investigation into the killings. Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet confirmed that detectives were working to identify those responsible, adding that no arrests had been made as of the time of filing this report.
