Gunmen ambush and kill Benue state's Miyetti Allah chairman Ardo Muhammad after a peace meeting in Otukpo.

Ardo Muhammad, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, and a second individual named Yakubu Isah were killed by gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area. The attack, which took place on Friday, has reportedly increased tensions in parts of Otukpo and the neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Area.
The MACBAN chairman had previously attended a peace meeting organized by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohinmini Local Government Area, which brought together Fulani leaders and representatives of the Ayunne community in response to recent security concerns.

Reports indicate that Muhammad and his companion were returning from the meeting when gunmen ambushed their vehicle in Okudu community, Otukpo Local Government Area, killing both men. Muhammad’s eldest son, who confirmed the incident during a telephone interview, stated that his father was attacked and killed while returning from the peace meeting.

Maxwell Ogiri, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, also confirmed the incident and described it 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 urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies were responding to the situation.

Adole Gabriel, Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, also confirmed the incident and said the slain MACBAN chairman had taken part in the peace meeting aimed at addressing lingering security concerns in the 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.

DSP Udeme Edet, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, confirmed the incident, stating that the Command had received the report and had begun an investigation.