Tension as Benue MACBAN chairman, another killed by gunmen

The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, and one other person identified as Yakubu Isah, have been killed by gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area, triggering tension in parts of Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the MACBAN chairman had attended a peace meeting allegedly convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohinmini Local Government Area with leaders of Ayunne community on Friday.

After the meeting, Muhammad and his companion were reportedly travelling back when gunmen ambushed their vehicle at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area, killing both occupants.

The deceased’s eldest son, who confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with journalists on Friday night, said his father was ambushed and killed while returning from the meeting.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the incident, saying the killings had heightened tension in the affected community and neighbouring areas.

“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 its environs,” Ogiri said.

He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that security operatives were on top of the situation.

Also confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, said the MACBAN chairman had attended the peace meeting convened by the DPO to address the lingering crisis in 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 that 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 LGA 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, stating that the command had received the report and that investigations were ongoing.

Several communities in Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Areas have witnessed repeated attacks by suspected armed herders in recent months.