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According to a report by Vanguard on Friday, June 26, 2026, the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Risku Muhammad, has been killed alongside an associate in a deadly attack by unknown gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon along the Okudu axis as the victims were travelling home after attending a peace and security meeting in neighbouring Ohimini Local Government Area.
According to information gathered, Muhammad and his associate, Yakubu Isah, had participated in a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at strengthening peace and improving security in the area. The meeting was reportedly convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) serving the Idekpa Division in Ohimini.
While returning from the gathering at about 2 p.m., their vehicle was intercepted by armed attackers who opened fire, killing both men at the scene before fleeing.
The circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, and security agencies have commenced investigations to identify those responsible.
The deceased chairman’s eldest son, Idris Muhammad, confirmed the incident, saying his father and his companion lost their lives shortly after leaving the peace meeting.
According to him, family members later recovered the bodies and transported them to Oyangede, where burial arrangements were made in accordance with local customs.
“My father, who was the Ardo, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, were attacked after leaving the peace meeting organised in Ohimini. We recovered their bodies and took them to Oyangede for burial,” he said.
The killings have sparked anxiety among residents, with fears that the incident could further heighten tensions in parts of Benue State that have experienced recurring security challenges.
Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the attack, describing the security situation in the affected community as sensitive.
He urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, assuring them that security personnel had been deployed to maintain order and prevent any escalation.
“The situation in the area is currently tense, but I appeal to everyone to remain peaceful. Security agencies are already handling the matter,” Ogiri said.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, expressed sadness over the development, noting that the deceased had actively participated in what he described as a successful peace dialogue before the fatal attack occurred outside his council area.
Adole said relevant security authorities had been informed and expressed confidence that a thorough investigation would uncover those behind the killings.
The Benue State Police Command also acknowledged the incident.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that detectives had launched an investigation into the attack and assured the public that efforts were underway to track down the perpetrators.
Edet appealed to residents to remain law-abiding and support ongoing investigations by providing any useful information that could assist security agencies.
