By Ayo Kehinde
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 an ambush hours after attending a peace meeting aimed at resolving lingering security concerns in the state.
The attack, which occurred on Friday at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area, has heightened tension across parts of Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Area, where repeated attacks and violent incidents have continued to threaten peace.
Muhammad had earlier attended a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohinmini Local Government Area.
The meeting brought together leaders of the Ayunne community and Fulani herders following recent security concerns in the area.
Sources said the meeting ended peacefully, with participants expressing optimism that the dialogue would help ease tensions. However, while Muhammad and his companion were travelling home, their vehicle was reportedly ambushed by armed men who opened fire, killing both occupants.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, described the killing as a major security concern capable of escalating tensions in the area.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, assuring them that security agencies had taken control of the situation.
The Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, also confirmed that the deceased had participated in the peace meeting before the fatal attack.
“You know there was a crisis in Ayunne community where some people were killed some time ago, and the DPO of Ohinmini convened a peace meeting with the Fulani herders and the community. I was told the meeting was fruitful and, at the end of it, the man left.
“Unfortunately, I learnt that some gunmen ambushed his vehicle at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area and killed him along with one other person,” Gabriel said.
The Police Command also confirmed the incident. The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said police had received the report and commenced investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings.
