Tension has heightened in parts of Benue State following the killing of the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Risku Muhammad, by suspected gunmen shortly after attending a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area.
Muhammad was killed alongside his associate, Yakubu Isah, on Friday while returning from the meeting aimed at addressing security concerns and promoting peaceful coexistence in the area.
The attack reportedly occurred at Okudu village in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area, raising fears of renewed violence in communities already grappling with insecurity and communal tensions.
According to sources, the peace meeting was convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohinmini LGA and attended by community leaders and Fulani herders. The gathering focused on finding solutions to the crisis in Ayunne Community, where several people were reportedly killed in a recent attack.
Sources said Muhammad and his companion were travelling home after the meeting when armed men ambushed their vehicle and fatally shot them.
Confirming the incident, the deceased's eldest son, Idris Muhammad, said his father was attacked while returning from the peace dialogue.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the killing, describing it as disturbing and capable of escalating tensions in the area.
"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 urged residents to remain calm and assured them that security agencies were working to restore order and apprehend those responsible.
Also speaking on the incident, the Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, said the deceased had actively participated in the peace meeting before the attack.
"There was a crisis in Ayunne Community where some people were killed. The DPO of Ohinmini convened a peace meeting involving Fulani herders and members of the community. I was informed that the meeting ended successfully, but unfortunately, gunmen later ambushed his vehicle at Okudu Community in Otukpo Local Government Area and killed him alongside another person," Gabriel said.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, confirmed that the command had received a report of the incident and had commenced investigations.
"I have received the report and investigation is ongoing," Edet stated.
The killing has unsettled residents of Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini local government areas, both of which have experienced recurring security challenges in recent months.
Meanwhile, the national leadership of MACBAN has condemned the killing, describing it as a "dastardly and deeply disturbing act."
In a statement issued by the association's National President, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, MACBAN expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Muhammad's death, noting that he was killed shortly after participating in a meeting designed to foster peace and reconciliation.
The association also raised concerns over reports that one of the deceased's children, a lawyer, was allegedly attacked in a village about a week earlier.
MACBAN called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to identify and prosecute those behind the attack.
"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 said.
The association extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and its members in Benue State, while reaffirming its commitment to promoting peace and cooperation with security agencies.
