The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, and another man identified as Yakubu Isah have been killed by suspected gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
The attack, which occurred on Friday, has heightened tension across parts of Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Area.
It was gathered that Muhammad had earlier attended a peace meeting reportedly convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini Local Government Area with leaders of the Ayunne community and Fulani herders as part of efforts to address recurring security concerns in the area.
However, while returning from the meeting, the MACBAN chairman and his companion were said to have been ambushed by armed men at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The assailants reportedly opened fire on their vehicle, killing both occupants on the spot.
Muhammad’s eldest son confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with journalists on Friday night, saying his father was attacked and killed while travelling home after the meeting.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the incident, describing the development as unfortunate and noting that it had created anxiety among residents.
“It is true that the Benue State chairman of MACBAN was killed within Otukpo Local Government Area this afternoon. The incident has heightened tension in the affected community and surrounding areas,” Ogiri said.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies had taken steps to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Also confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, said the deceased had participated in a peace dialogue organised by the police to foster reconciliation between members of the Ayunne community and Fulani herders.
According to Gabriel, the meeting ended peacefully before the victims were attacked while travelling through Otukpo.
“There had been previous violence in Ayunne community, prompting the Divisional Police Officer to convene a peace meeting involving community leaders and Fulani herders. I was informed the meeting was successful, but sadly, the MACBAN chairman and another person were later ambushed and killed at Okudu community,” he said.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the attack, saying the command had received reports of the incident and had commenced investigations.
Communities in Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini local government areas have witnessed repeated attacks linked to suspected armed herders in recent months, with security agencies continuing efforts to restore peace to the affected areas.