Benue: Miyetti Allah chair killed in ambush after peace meeting

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By Peter Duru, Makurdi

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The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Risku Muhammad, has been reportedly killed in an ambush by unidentified gunmen in the Otukpo Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.

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The incident occurred at about 2pm on Friday around the Okudu community, where the deceased and his associate, Yakubu Isah, were attacked while returning from a security meeting held in the neighbouring Ohimini LGA.

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Sources said the victims had attended a peace and security meeting allegedly convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Idekpa, Ohimini LGA, before embarking on their return journey.

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According to reports, armed youths ambushed their vehicle and opened fire, killing both men on the spot.

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The eldest son of the deceased, Idris Muhammad, confirmed the incident, saying his father and Isah were attacked shortly after leaving the peace meeting.

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He said the family had recovered the bodies and taken them to Oyangede for burial.

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“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.

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The killing has heightened tension in the area, with residents expressing fears of possible reprisals and renewed insecurity.

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Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the incident, describing the security situation around the scene as tense.

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He appealed to residents to remain calm, noting that the police and other security agencies were already handling the situation to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

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“The area the incident happened is tense right now, but I appeal for calm because the police are on top of the situation,” he said.

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Also confirming the incident, the chairman of Ohimini LGA, Gabriel Adole, said the late MACBAN chairman had participated in a successful peace meeting before he was attacked in Otukpo.

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Adole described the development as unfortunate, stressing that security agencies had been informed and were expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings.

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The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, who said an investigation had commenced.

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Edet assured the public that the command would work to identify those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice, while urging residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with investigators.

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