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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 they attended a peace meeting aimed at resolving lingering security issues in the state.
The attack, which occurred on Friday in Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area, has heightened tension in parts of Otukpo and neighboring 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 Ayunne community leaders and Fulani herdsmen following recent security concerns in the area.
Sources said the meeting ended peacefully, with participants expressing optimism that dialogue would help ease tensions. However, as Muhammad and his companion returned home, their vehicle was reportedly ambushed by gunmen 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 issue capable of increasing 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 attended the peace meeting before the deadly attack.
“You know, some time ago there was a crisis in Ayunne community where some people were killed, and the DPO of Ohinmini called a peace meeting with the Fulani herdsmen and the community. I was told that the meeting was fruitful and, in the end, the man left.
“Unfortunately, I learned that some gunmen ambushed his vehicle at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area and killed him along with another person,” Gabriel said.
The Police Command also confirmed the incident. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said the police received the report and began investigations to identify and arrest those responsible for the killings.
