Benue: Chair of Miyetti Allah killed in ambush after peace meeting

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Ardo Risku Muhammad, chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, was reportedly killed in an ambush by unidentified gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area.

The attack took place around 2 pm on Friday near the Okudu community, when Muhammad and his associate, Yakubu Isah, were shot while returning from a security meeting in nearby Ohimini LGA.

Sources say the pair had attended a peace and security meeting organized by the Divisional Police Officer in Idekpa, Ohimini LGA, before heading back.

Reports indicate that armed youths ambushed their vehicle and opened fire, killing both men instantly.

Idris Muhammad, the eldest son of the deceased, confirmed the attack, stating that his father and Isah were assaulted shortly after the peace meeting.

He added that the family recovered the bodies and transported them to Oyangede for burial.

“They killed my father, the Ardo, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, after around 2pm while on their way from the peace meeting called by the DPO in Ohimini. We have recovered their bodies and took them to Oyangede for burial,” Idris said.

The killing has escalated tensions in the area, with residents fearing reprisals and a resurgence of insecurity.

Otukpo Local Government Area chairman Maxwell Ogiri confirmed the incident and described the security situation around the scene as tense.

He urged residents to stay calm, noting that police and other security agencies were already addressing the situation to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

“The area the incident happened is tense right now, but I appeal for calm because the police are on top of the situation,” he said.

Ohimini LGA chairman Gabriel Adole also confirmed the incident, noting that the late MACBAN chairman had taken part in a successful peace meeting before being attacked in Otukpo.

Adole described the event as unfortunate, stressing that security agencies had been notified and were expected to investigate the circumstances.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident via spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet, who said an investigation had begun.

Edet assured the public that the command would identify those responsible and bring them to justice, and urged residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with investigators.