The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, and another person identified as Yakubu Isah have been killed by gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on Friday as the duo was returning from a peace meeting allegedly convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini with leaders of Ayunne community in Ohinmini Local Government Area. Gunmen ambushed their vehicle at a village in Otukpo, killing both occupants.
The Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, confirmed that the MACBAN chairman had attended the peace meeting, describing it as fruitful before the tragic ambush at Okudu community.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the killing, noting that it has raised tension in the affected communities and surrounding areas.
The Benue State Police Command, through spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed receiving the report and stated that an investigation is ongoing.
The killings have triggered palpable tension in parts of Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Areas, amid reports of incessant attacks by suspected armed herders in the region.
