Benue MACBAN Chairman, Friend Ambushed After Community Peace Session

Tragedy struck Benue State on Friday as Alhaji Risku Muhammad, the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and his companion, Yakubu Isah, were gunned down by unknown assailants. The incident occurred shortly after they had attended a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area, escalating fears of renewed conflict in a region already grappling with persistent attacks and communal discord.

Reports indicate that the deadly ambush took place at Okudu village, situated in the neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area. Muhammad had earlier participated in a peace dialogue initiated by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohinmini LGA. This crucial meeting brought together community leaders and Fulani herders, with the primary goal of devising strategies to restore calm in Ayunne Community, where a recent attack had claimed multiple lives.

According to sources, Muhammad and Isah were on their way back from this reconciliation gathering when their vehicle was targeted by gunmen, who then fatally shot them.

Confirming the devastating news, Idris Muhammad, the eldest son of the deceased MACBAN chairman, spoke via telephone on Friday night, stating that his father was attacked while returning from the meeting. Similarly, Maxwell Ogiri, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, corroborated the killings, expressing deep concern over the development. "It is true that the state chairman of MACBAN was killed within Otukpo Local Government Area this afternoon," Ogiri stated, adding that the event had significantly heightened tensions in the affected community and surrounding areas. He urged residents to maintain peace, assuring them of security agencies' active involvement in managing the situation.

Adole Gabriel, the Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, also confirmed Muhammad's presence at the peace talks preceding the attack. He recounted, "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." Gabriel further explained that the meeting was deemed successful, but unfortunately, gunmen ambushed Muhammad's vehicle at Okudu Community in Otukpo LGA, killing him and another individual.

The Benue State Police Command's spokesperson, Udeme Edet, acknowledged receiving a report of the attack and confirmed that investigations were underway to ascertain the full circumstances behind the killings. "I have received the report and investigation is ongoing," Edet affirmed.

Communities within Otukpo and Ohinmini LGAs have endured a spate of attacks in recent months, with many incidents attributed to suspected armed herders.

Meanwhile, the national leadership of MACBAN has vehemently condemned the killings, labeling it a "dastardly and deeply disturbing act." In an official statement released on Friday by its National President, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, the association highlighted that the conditions surrounding Muhammad’s death raised profound questions. MACBAN found it particularly alarming that a respected community leader, actively engaged in peace promotion, could become a victim so swiftly after such efforts. The association also voiced apprehension regarding reports of an alleged attack on one of the deceased's children, a lawyer, in a village approximately a week prior. They implored security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent inquiry into the matter.

"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 read. MACBAN extended its condolences to the bereaved family and its members in Benue State, reiterating its unwavering commitment to fostering peace and collaborating with security forces to address security challenges nationwide.