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 an ambush in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The attack occurred at about 2 p.m. on Friday near the Okudu community as the duo returned from a peace and security meeting held in neighbouring Ohimini Local Government Area.
Sources said the meeting, which was convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Idekpa, brought together stakeholders to discuss measures aimed at improving security in the area.
However, shortly after leaving the meeting, Muhammad and Isah were reportedly ambushed by armed assailants who opened fire on their vehicle, killing them instantly.
The deceased’s eldest son, Idris Muhammad, confirmed the incident, saying the family had recovered the bodies and taken them to Oyangede for burial.
“They killed my father, the Ardo, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, while they were returning from the peace meeting organised by the DPO in Ohimini. We have recovered their bodies and buried them in Oyangede,” he said.
The incident has sparked fresh concerns over security in the area, with residents fearing possible reprisals and a further escalation of violence.
Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, described the situation as tense but urged residents not to take the law into their own hands.
“The area is tense at the moment, but I appeal to everyone to remain calm. Security agencies have taken charge of the situation,” he said.
The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, also confirmed the killings, describing them as a tragic development, especially as the victims had just participated in a peace meeting aimed at fostering harmony in the area.
He said relevant security agencies had been alerted and expressed confidence that those behind the attack would be brought to justice.
The Benue State Police Command, through its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident and said an investigation had been launched.
Edet assured residents that the police were working to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack, while urging members of the public to remain peaceful and cooperate with investigators.