By Sabiu Abdullahi
Fresh tension has spread across parts of Benue State after unknown gunmen killed the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the state, Alhaji Risku Muhammad, alongside his associate, Yakubu Isah.
The attack reportedly took place on Friday at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area shortly after the victims attended a peace meeting in neighbouring Ohinmini LGA.
Sources said the meeting was organised by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini. Community leaders and Fulani herders attended the dialogue to discuss ways to restore peace in Ayunne Community, where a recent attack claimed several lives.
Residents said the victims were travelling home after the meeting when armed men intercepted their vehicle and opened fire on them.
The eldest son of the deceased, Idris Muhammad, confirmed the incident during a telephone conversation with journalists on Friday night. He said his father came under attack while returning from the peace meeting.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the killing and expressed concern over the development.
“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 peaceful and assured them that security agencies were handling the situation.
The Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, said the deceased participated actively in the peace dialogue before the 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 (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 said.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed that it received a report of the incident. The command’s spokesperson, Udeme Edet, said an investigation had started.
“I have received the report and investigation is ongoing,” Edet said.
Communities in Otukpo and Ohinmini local government areas have recorded repeated violent attacks in recent months. Several of the incidents were linked to suspected armed herders.
Meanwhile, the national leadership of MACBAN condemned the killing. The association described the incident as a “dastardly and deeply disturbing act.”
In a statement signed by its National President, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, the group said the circumstances surrounding the murder had raised serious concerns.
MACBAN stated that it was troubling that a leader who attended a peace meeting became a victim shortly afterwards. The association also raised concerns over reports that one of the deceased’s children, who is a lawyer, was allegedly attacked in a village about a week earlier.
The group urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter.
“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 added.
The association also sympathised with the family of the deceased and members of MACBAN in Benue State. It reaffirmed its commitment to peace and cooperation with security agencies in addressing insecurity across the country.
