By Paul Joseph
The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, and another man, 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 the neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Area.
According to reports, Muhammad had earlier attended a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ohinmini. The meeting brought together Fulani herders and leaders of the Ayunne community to discuss measures aimed at restoring peace following previous clashes in the area.
However, while returning from the meeting, Muhammad and Isah were reportedly ambushed by armed assailants at the Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area. Both men were killed at the scene.
Muhammad’s eldest son confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, stating that his father was attacked and murdered while travelling home after the peace meeting.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the killings, describing the incident as one that has created anxiety among residents of the affected communities.
He appealed for calm, assuring the public that security agencies had begun responding to the situation.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, said the peace meeting ended peacefully before the victims departed.
He explained that the attackers intercepted the victims’ vehicle shortly after they left the venue and fatally shot both occupants.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that the command had received a report of the incident and said investigations were underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The latest attack comes amid recurring security challenges in parts of Otukpo and Ohinmini local government areas, where several communities have experienced repeated attacks linked to armed criminal groups.
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