Gunmen have killed Alhaji Risku Muhammad, the Benue state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and Yakubu Isah, his associate shortly after they attended a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area.
The attack occurred on Friday at Okudu village in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area, brewing fresh tension in communities that have repeatedly witnessed violent attacks.
Muhammad had reportedly participated in a peace dialogue convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini Local Government Area.
The meeting, attended by Fulani herders and community leaders, was aimed at restoring calm in Ayunne community following recent deadly clashes.
Sources said the MACBAN leader and Isah were returning from the meeting when armed assailants intercepted their vehicle and opened fire, killing both men.
Idris Muhammad, the deceased’s eldest son confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, saying his father was attacked while travelling home after the peace meeting.
Maxwell Ogiri, the chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area also confirmed the killings, describing the development as a serious setback to peace efforts in the area.
“It is true that the Benue State chairman of MACBAN was killed within Otukpo Local Government Area. The incident has heightened tension in the affected community and surrounding areas,” Ogiri said.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies had taken steps to contain the situation.
Adole Gabriel, Ohinmini Local Government chairman said the peace meeting ended successfully before the victims departed.
“There had been previous violence in Ayunne community, and the DPO organised a peace meeting involving Fulani herders and members of the host community. I was informed the meeting ended peacefully, but sadly, the MACBAN chairman and another person were ambushed and killed at Okudu while returning,” Gabriel stated.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the attack, DSP Udeme Edet, with its spokesperson saying an investigation had commenced.
“I have received the report, and investigation is ongoing,” Edet said.
The killing has drawn condemnation from the national leadership of MACBAN, which described the incident as a disturbing attack on a community leader committed to peaceful coexistence.
In a statement signed by National President Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, the association expressed concern that a leader returning from a peace meeting became the target of violence.
“The killing of community leaders and peace advocates threatens reconciliation, dialogue and peaceful coexistence. Those seeking to destabilise society through violence must not be allowed to succeed,” the statement read.
MACBAN also urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The association further sympathised with the bereaved family and its Benue State chapter, reaffirming its commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and continued collaboration with security agencies in addressing insecurity across the country.
