Tension spread across parts of Benue State on Friday after gunmen killed the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Risku Muhammad, and his friend, Yakubu Isah, shortly after a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area.
The attack happened at Okudu village in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area, raising fears of fresh violence in communities already affected by repeated attacks and communal tensions.
Punch gathered that Muhammad attended a peace meeting organised by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini with community leaders and Fulani herders to discuss ways to restore peace in Ayunne Community, where several people were reportedly killed in a recent attack.
Sources said Muhammad and Isah were heading home when gunmen ambushed their vehicle and shot them dead.
His eldest son, Idris Muhammad, confirmed the killing in a telephone interview on Friday night, saying his father was attacked while returning from the meeting.
Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the incident.
“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, saying security agencies were handling the situation.
Ohinmini Local Government Chairman, Adole Gabriel, said the deceased took part in the peace meeting before the attack.
“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.
Police spokesperson Udeme Edet confirmed the report, saying, “I have received the report and investigation is ongoing.”
MACBAN condemned the killing as a “dastardly and deeply disturbing act.” It called for a thorough and transparent investigation, saying, “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.”
