The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, has been killed by unknown gunmen in an attack that occurred shortly after he attended a peace meeting aimed at addressing security concerns in the state.
Muhammad was reportedly travelling with another man, Yakubu Isah, when their vehicle came under attack on Friday at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area. Both men died in the ambush.
The killing has heightened tension in Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Area, where efforts had been underway to ease tensions between Fulani herders and host communities following recent violent incidents.
According to sources, the late MACBAN chairman had earlier participated in a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohinmini Local Government Area.
The meeting brought together Fulani leaders and representatives of the Ayunne community to discuss ways of restoring peace after recent security challenges in the area.
Participants at the meeting were said to have deliberated on measures to prevent further violence and improve cooperation between communities and security agencies.
However, tragedy struck while Muhammad and his companion were returning from the meeting.
According to reports, gunmen ambushed their vehicle at Okudu community in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area and opened fire, killing both men.
The motive behind the attack was not immediately known, and there was no official confirmation that the assailants belonged to any particular criminal group.
Muhammad’s eldest son confirmed the incident during a telephone interview, saying his father was attacked while returning from the peace meeting.
He expressed shock over the killing but did not provide further details.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the incident.
Describing the development as disturbing, Ogiri said the killing had created fear and anxiety among residents of the area.
“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,” he said.
The council chairman appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
He assured the public that security agencies had already begun responding to the situation to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Also confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, said the slain MACBAN chairman had attended the peace meeting organised to address lingering security concerns in Ayunne community.
According to Gabriel, the meeting was held following an earlier crisis in the community that claimed several lives.
“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,” he said.
He explained that participants at the meeting had expressed optimism that dialogue would help restore peace in the affected communities.
“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 added.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the attack.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said the police had received reports of the incident and had commenced an investigation.
She said efforts were ongoing to identify those responsible for the killings and bring them to justice.
The police, however, did not immediately provide further details on possible suspects or the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The killing has added to concerns over the fragile security situation in parts of Benue State, where violent attacks have continued despite repeated peace efforts by government authorities, traditional rulers and security agencies.
Benue has remained one of the states most affected by conflicts involving armed groups, including clashes linked to disputes between farmers and herders, as well as attacks by criminal gangs.
Over the years, thousands of people have lost their lives, while many others have been displaced from their homes due to recurring violence.
Several communities across the state have also suffered the destruction of homes, farms and other property, worsening humanitarian challenges and affecting agricultural production.
Successive state and federal governments have introduced various measures to tackle the insecurity.
These include military operations, increased police deployment, peace meetings between affected communities and engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders.
Security agencies have also intensified intelligence gathering and patrols in areas considered vulnerable to attacks.
Despite these efforts, violent incidents continue to occur in some parts of the state, raising fresh concerns about the effectiveness of ongoing security strategies.
Friday’s attack is particularly significant because it occurred shortly after a peace meeting intended to reduce tension and promote dialogue among affected groups.
The incident has raised fears that it could undermine ongoing reconciliation efforts unless those responsible are quickly identified and prosecuted.
Community leaders have continued to appeal for restraint while investigations proceed, urging residents not to allow the attack to trigger reprisals or further violence.
As security agencies continue their investigation, many residents are hoping the latest killing will not reverse the progress made through recent peace initiatives.