Gunmen Ambush, Kill Benue Miyetti Allah Chairman After Peace Meeting

Fresh 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, who was ambushed and shot dead by gunmen shortly after attending a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area.

Muhammad was killed alongside his associate, Yakubu Isah, on Friday while returning from the dialogue, which had been convened to address lingering security concerns in the area.

The attack reportedly occurred at Okudu village in Otukpo Local Government Area, raising fears of renewed violence in communities already grappling with insecurity and recurring communal clashes.

According to reports, the peace meeting was organised by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohinmini Local Government Area and brought together Fulani herders, community leaders and other stakeholders to discuss measures for restoring peace in Ayunne Community, where several people were reportedly killed in a recent attack.

Sources said Muhammad and his companion had departed the meeting when gunmen intercepted their vehicle and opened fire, killing both men.

The deceased's eldest son, Idris Muhammad, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview on Friday night, saying his father was attacked while travelling home from the peace meeting.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the attack, describing the development as disturbing and capable of escalating tensions in the area.

"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 and assured them that security agencies had commenced efforts to address the situation.

Also confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, said the peace meeting had ended successfully before the fatal attack occurred.

"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 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 said.

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that the command had received a report of the attack and that investigations were underway.

"I have received the report and investigation is ongoing," Edet said.

The killing has heightened anxiety across Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Areas, both of which have witnessed repeated attacks and security incidents in recent months.

Meanwhile, the national leadership of MACBAN condemned the killing, describing it as a "dastardly and deeply disturbing act."

In a statement issued by the association's National President, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, MACBAN said the circumstances surrounding Muhammad's death were particularly alarming because he was attacked shortly after participating in a peace dialogue intended to promote reconciliation.

The association also expressed concern over reports that one of the deceased's children, a lawyer, was allegedly attacked in a village about a week earlier.

MACBAN called on security agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation to identify those responsible and ensure they 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 statement said.

The association commiserated with the family of the deceased, its members in Benue State and the wider Fulani community, while reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence and continued collaboration with security agencies in the pursuit of lasting peace.