The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad and another man identified as Yakubu Isah have been killed by gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
The attack, which occurred on Friday, has reportedly heightened tension in parts of Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Area.
It was gathered that the MACBAN chairman had earlier attended a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohinmini Local Government Area with Fulani leaders and representatives of the Ayunne community following recent security concerns in the area.
According to reports, Muhammad and his companion were travelling back from the meeting when gunmen ambushed their vehicle at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area, killing both men.
Muhammad’s eldest son, who confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, said his father was attacked and killed while returning from the peace meeting.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the incident, describing the development as disturbing.
It is true that the state chairman of MACBAN was killed within Otukpo LGA this afternoon. The killing has raised tension in the community and environs,” Ogiri said.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies were responding to the situation.
Also confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, said the slain MACBAN chairman had participated in the peace meeting aimed at addressing lingering security concerns in Ayunne community.
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 LGA and killed him along with one other person,” Gabriel said.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident, stating that the Command had received the report and had commenced an investigation.
