The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Risku Muhammad, has been killed in an ambush in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Muhammad was reportedly travelling with his associate, Yakubu Isah, when gunmen attacked them along the Okwudu axis on Friday afternoon. Both men were killed at the scene.
Muhammad's eldest son, Muhammad Idris, confirmed the incident, saying the victims were returning from a peace meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area when they were attacked at about 2:00 p.m.
According to Idris, the meeting was convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ohimini to address issues involving herders and members of the host community. He said his father attended the meeting with Isah before they came under attack while travelling home.
The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, also confirmed the meeting, describing it as productive. He said the discussions focused on complaints raised by residents over the activities of herders in the area.
Adole added that Muhammad and his associate left the meeting safely but were later killed in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area.
The Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed that the attack occurred within his council area and said security concerns had increased following the incident. He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that efforts were underway to maintain peace.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the killings through its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet.
Authorities have not announced any arrests, and the motive for the attack remains unclear.
