BREAKING: Gunmen Ambush, Kill Benue Miyetti Allah Chairman Returning From Peace Meeting

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 shot dead by suspected gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

The deadly attack, which occurred on Friday, has sparked fresh anxiety among residents of Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Area, with fears that the incident could worsen the security situation in the area.

According to available information, the slain MACBAN chairman had earlier participated in a peace meeting organised by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohinmini Local Government Area. The meeting brought together Fulani leaders and representatives of the Ayunne community as part of efforts to address recent security challenges and promote peaceful coexistence.

Sources disclosed that after the meeting ended, Muhammad and his companion, Yakubu Isah, set out on their journey home. However, while travelling through the Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area, their vehicle was reportedly ambushed by armed men who opened fire, killing both occupants.

The eldest son of the deceased MACBAN chairman confirmed the tragic incident during a telephone conversation, saying his father was returning from the peace dialogue when he was attacked and murdered.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the killings, describing the incident as unfortunate and capable of heightening tension within the locality.

“It is true that the Benue State chairman of MACBAN was killed within Otukpo Local Government Area this afternoon. The incident has created fear and heightened tension among residents of the community and surrounding areas,” Ogiri said.

He appealed to members of the public to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, assuring them that security agencies had been mobilised to restore order and investigate the attack.

Also speaking on the incident, the Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, disclosed that Muhammad had actively participated in the peace meeting convened to resolve lingering security concerns in Ayunne community.

He explained that the dialogue became necessary following an earlier violent incident in the community in which several people reportedly lost their lives.

“You know there was a crisis in Ayunne community where some people were killed some time ago. The DPO of Ohinmini invited Fulani herders and community representatives for a peace meeting aimed at finding lasting solutions to the conflict,” Gabriel said.

“From what I was told, the meeting ended successfully and everyone left in good spirits. Unfortunately, while the MACBAN chairman was on his way back, gunmen ambushed his vehicle at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area and killed him alongside another person.”

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident, stating that the Command had received official reports of the attack and had commenced investigations to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killings.

She assured residents that security operatives were working to identify and apprehend those responsible, while urging members of the public to remain law-abiding and provide useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.