BREAKING: Suspected armed herders ambush, Kill Benue MACBAN Chairman, Ardo Muhammad, one other in Otukpo

The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, and another man, Yakubu Isah, have been killed by suspected armed herdsmen in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state, Punch reports.

The attack, which occurred on Friday, has heightened tension in parts of Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Area.

It was gathered that Muhammad had earlier attended a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohinmini Local Government Area with leaders of the Ayunne community and Fulani herders following recent security concerns in the area.

Sources said the meeting ended peacefully, but tragedy struck shortly afterwards as the MACBAN chairman and his companion were travelling back. Their vehicle was reportedly ambushed by armed men at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area, where both men were shot dead.

Muhammad’s eldest son confirmed the incident in a telephone interview on Friday night, saying his father was killed in the ambush while returning from the peace meeting.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, said the killing had created panic and heightened tension in the affected communities.

“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 environs,” Ogiri said.

He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies had taken control of the situation.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, confirmed that the deceased had attended the peace meeting before he was attacked.

“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 Local Government Area and killed him along with one other person,” Gabriel said.

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the incident, saying the Command had received the report and commenced an investigation.

The killing comes amid renewed security concerns in Benue South, where communities in Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Areas have witnessed repeated attacks and violent incidents in recent months. The latest attack is expected to heighten fears over the fragile security situation in the area despite ongoing peace efforts.