The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, and another man identified as Yakubu Isah, were on Friday killed by gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area, sparking tension across parts of Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini LGA.
According to available information, Ardo Muhammad had attended a peace meeting reportedly convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohinmini Local Government Area with leaders of the Ayunne community to address the lingering security crisis in the area.
After the meeting, Muhammad and his companion were travelling back when their vehicle was ambushed by armed men at Okudu community in Otukpo LGA. Both occupants were killed during the attack.
The deceased’s eldest son confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, stating that his father was attacked and killed while returning from the peace meeting.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, said the incident had heightened tension within the community and surrounding areas.
“It is true that the state chairman of MACBAN was killed within Otukpo Local Government Area this afternoon. The killing has raised tension in the community and its environs,” Ogiri said.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies were working to restore order and apprehend those responsible.
The Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, also confirmed that the MACBAN chairman attended the peace meeting aimed at resolving the crisis in Ayunne community.
According to Gabriel, the meeting ended peacefully before the victims were ambushed while returning from the gathering.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that the command had received reports of the incident and said investigations were underway.
The latest attack comes amid recurring violence in several communities across Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Areas, where suspected armed herders have carried out repeated attacks in recent months.
