‎Tension Rises as MACBAN Chairman Shot Dead After Benue Peace Meeting ‎

Tension has escalated in parts of Benue State following the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Alhaji Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, shortly after attending a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area.
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‎The victims were reportedly ambushed and shot dead on Friday at Okudu village in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area while returning from a peace dialogue convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohinmini. The meeting brought together community leaders and Fulani herders to discuss measures for restoring peace in Ayunne Community, where recent violence claimed several lives.
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‎Muhammad’s eldest son, Idris Muhammad, confirmed the incident, saying his father was attacked while travelling home from the meeting.
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‎The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, described the killing as disturbing, noting that it had heightened tension in the area. He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies were taking steps to maintain order.
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‎Similarly, the Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, confirmed that the deceased had actively participated in the peace meeting before the fatal attack.
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‎According to Gabriel, the dialogue had ended successfully before Muhammad departed, only to be ambushed by gunmen at Okudu alongside another occupant of his vehicle.
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‎The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident, with its spokesperson, Udeme Edet, stating that an investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the killings and bring those responsible to justice.
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‎The latest attack has renewed fears of escalating insecurity in Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini, communities that have witnessed repeated violent attacks and lingering communal tensions in recent months.
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‎Reacting to the incident, the national leadership of MACBAN condemned the killings, describing them as “dastardly and deeply disturbing.”
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‎In a statement signed by its National President, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, the association expressed concern that a community leader who had just participated in a peace initiative could be targeted and killed shortly afterwards.
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‎According to Punch, MACBAN also raised concerns over reports that one of the deceased’s children, a lawyer, had allegedly been attacked in a separate incident about a week earlier.
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‎”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 added.
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‎The association called on security agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation, stressing that attacks on community leaders and peace advocates undermine efforts at reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
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‎It extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Benue State chapter of MACBAN and all those affected, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at promoting peace and addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
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