The Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ardo Muhammad, has been shot dead alongside another man, Yakubu Isah, in an attack by suspected gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The killings, which occurred on Friday, have sparked anxiety among residents of Otukpo and nearby Ohinmini Local Government Area.
Sources disclosed that Muhammad had attended a peace dialogue organised by the Divisional Police Officer in Ohinmini, where Fulani herders and leaders of the Ayunne community met to discuss ways of restoring peace following recent violence in the area.
After the meeting, Muhammad and Isah were said to have departed for their destination when armed men reportedly intercepted their vehicle at Okudu community in Otukpo LGA and opened fire, killing both occupants.
The deceased's eldest son confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with journalists, saying his father lost his life in the ambush while returning from the peace meeting.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the attack and described the situation as disturbing.
He noted that the incident had heightened fear within the affected communities but appealed to residents not to take the law into their hands, assuring them that security personnel were working to maintain peace.
Also commenting, the Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, said the late MACBAN chairman had participated in a reconciliation meeting convened by the police to ease tensions between members of the Ayunne community and Fulani herders after earlier deadly clashes.
Gabriel explained that the meeting ended peacefully before Muhammad left the venue, but he was later attacked and killed by gunmen while passing through Okudu in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area.
The Benue State Police Command also acknowledged the incident.
Its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said the command had received reports of the killings and had launched an investigation to track down those behind the attack.
Communities in Otukpo and Ohinmini have continued to experience recurring security challenges, with residents repeatedly calling for stronger measures to end the wave of violent attacks.
0 Comments