The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Risku Muhammad, has been killed in an ambush by unidentified gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
The attack, which also claimed the life of his associate, Yakubu Isah, occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Friday near the Okudu community while the two men were returning from a peace and security meeting held in neighbouring Ohimini Local Government Area.
According to sources, the meeting had been convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Idekpa, Ohimini LGA, as part of ongoing efforts to promote peace and strengthen security in the area.
The victims were said to have departed the meeting and were travelling back when their vehicle came under attack by armed assailants believed to be lying in wait along the route.
Witnesses said the gunmen opened fire on the vehicle, killing both men instantly before fleeing the scene.
The eldest son of the deceased, Idris Muhammad, confirmed the incident, stating that his father and Isah were attacked shortly after leaving the security meeting.
He disclosed that the family had recovered their bodies and taken them to Oyangede for burial.
“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 killings have reportedly heightened tension within the affected communities, with many residents expressing fears that the incident could trigger fresh violence or reprisals.
Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the attack and acknowledged that security concerns had increased following the incident.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies had already moved into the area to prevent any 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.
The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, also confirmed the killings, describing the development as unfortunate.
According to him, the late MACBAN chairman had actively participated in what he described as a successful peace and security meeting before he was attacked while travelling through Otukpo.
Adole said security agencies had been informed of the incident and were expected to carry out a thorough investigation to establish those responsible.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the attack through its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet.
Edet said the command had commenced an investigation into the killings and assured residents that efforts were underway to identify, arrest and prosecute those behind the ambush.
She also urged members of the public to remain peaceful and cooperate with investigators by providing useful information that could assist the ongoing investigation.
