The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, and another man identified as Yakubu Isah have been killed by unknown gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area, raising security concerns in the area.
The incident occurred shortly after the MACBAN chairman attended a peace meeting involving Fulani herders and leaders of the Ayunne community in Ohinmini Local Government Area. The meeting was reportedly organized to promote peace following previous security challenges in the community.
While returning from the meeting, the victims’ vehicle was reportedly ambushed by armed attackers in the Okudu area of Otukpo Local Government Area. Both occupants of the vehicle were killed during the attack.
A family member of the deceased confirmed the incident, stating that Ardo Muhammad lost his life after the vehicle was ambushed by gunmen.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the killings, describing the situation as one that has created tension in the affected community and surrounding areas. He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies were responding to the incident.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, explained that the deceased had participated in a successful peace meeting before the attack occurred. According to him, the discussions were aimed at improving relations between local communities and Fulani herders following previous violent incidents.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed that it had received reports of the attack. Police authorities said investigations have commenced to identify those responsible and determine the circumstances surrounding the killings.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over security in parts of Benue State, where clashes and attacks have affected several communities in recent years. Authorities have urged residents to remain peaceful while security agencies continue their investigation into the incident.
