Tension has gripped parts of Benue State following the killing of the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, by suspected gunmen shortly after attending a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred on Friday at Okudu Village in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area, has heightened fears of renewed violence in communities already plagued by recurring attacks and communal unrest.
According to reports, Muhammad had participated in a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohinmini LGA. The meeting brought together community leaders and Fulani herders to discuss measures aimed at restoring peace in Ayunne Community, where several people were recently killed in a violent attack.
Sources disclosed that the MACBAN chairman and his companion were travelling back from the meeting when gunmen ambushed their vehicle, opening fire and killing both men on the spot.
Confirming the incident, the deceased’s eldest son, Idris Muhammad, said his father was attacked while returning from the peace dialogue.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, described the killing as disturbing, noting that it had sparked anxiety across Otukpo and neighbouring communities.
“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 neighbouring areas,” Ogiri said.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies were actively responding to the situation.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, confirmed that the late Muhammad had attended the peace meeting shortly before he was killed.
“You know there was a crisis at Ayunne Community where some people were killed some time ago, and the DPO of Ohinmini convened a peace meeting involving Fulani herders and members of the community.
“I was told the meeting was fruitful and, at the end of it, the man (MACBAN chairman) left. Unfortunately, I learnt that some gunmen ambushed his vehicle at Okudu Community in Otukpo Local Government Area and killed him alongside one other person,” Gabriel stated.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the attack. Police spokesperson, CSP Udeme Edet, said the command had commenced an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the killings.
“I have received the report and investigation is ongoing,” Edet said.
Communities in Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Areas have witnessed repeated attacks in recent months, with several incidents attributed to suspected armed herders, further deepening security concerns across the state.
Reacting to the incident, the national leadership of MACBAN strongly condemned the killings, describing them as “dastardly and deeply disturbing.”
In a statement signed by the association’s National President, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, MACBAN expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Muhammad’s death, particularly as he was murdered shortly after attending a meeting aimed at fostering peace and reconciliation.
The association also raised concerns over reports that one of the deceased’s children, a legal practitioner, was allegedly attacked in a village about a week before the incident.
MACBAN called on security agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“The killing of community leaders and peace advocates threatens efforts towards reconciliation, dialogue and peaceful coexistence among communities. Those who seek to destabilise society through violence must not be allowed to succeed,” the association stated.
It extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the leadership and members of MACBAN in Benue State, while reaffirming its commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and collaborating with security agencies to address the country’s growing security challenges.
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