Attack after Peace Meeting
Gunmen have killed the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, along with one other person identified as Yakubu Isah. The incident occurred in Otukpo Local Government Area on Friday, June 26, 2026.
Details of the Incident
According to sources, the MACBAN chairman had attended a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohinmini with leaders of Ayunne community in Ohinmini Local Government Area earlier that day. As the chairman and his companion were traveling back, gunmen reportedly ambushed their vehicle at a village in Otukpo LGA, killing both occupants.
Family Confirmation
The eldest son of the deceased disclosed the incident to journalists in a telephone interview late on Friday, stating that his father was ambushed and killed. The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the incident, noting palpable tension in the community and neighboring areas. “It is true that the state chairman of MACBAN was killed within Otukpo LGA this afternoon. The killing has raised tension in the community and environs,” he said. Ogiri called on residents to remain calm, assuring that security operatives were on top of the situation.
Background of the Peace Meeting
The Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, elaborated on the circumstances, stating that the MACBAN state chairman had attended a peace meeting convened by the DPO of Ohinmini. “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,” he said. “I was told that the meeting was fruitful and, at the end of the meeting, the man (MACBAN chairman) left. Unfortunately, I learnt that some gunmen ambushed his vehicle at Okudu community in Otukpo LGA and killed him with one other person.”
Police Response
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident, stating that she had received the report and that an investigation was ongoing. Some communities in Otukpo and neighboring Ohinmini Local Government Areas have experienced incessant attacks by suspected armed herders, heightening security concerns in the region.
