The Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Muhammad, and another individual identified as Yakubu Isah have been killed by gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. The incident occurred on Friday as the victims were reportedly returning from a peace meeting held in Ohinmini LGA, raising fresh security concerns in the area.

The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, and one other person, Yakubu Isah, have been killed by gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area.

According to information made available by family members and local authorities, the MACBAN chairman had attended a peace meeting reportedly convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohinmini Local Government Area alongside leaders of Ayunne community and Fulani herders.

Sources said the meeting was aimed at fostering peace following previous security incidents in the area.
However, while travelling back after the meeting, the victims were reportedly ambushed by armed men at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area. Both occupants of the vehicle were killed during the attack.

Muhammad's eldest son confirmed the incident during a telephone interview with journalists, stating that his father was attacked and killed while returning from the meeting.

Confirming the development, Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, said the killing had heightened tension across the affected communities and surrounding 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 appealed for calm and urged residents not to take the law into their own hands, adding that security agencies were managing the situation.
The Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, also confirmed that the deceased had participated in a peace dialogue earlier in the day.

According to Gabriel, the meeting was organised following previous violence in Ayunne community, where lives had reportedly been lost.

He stated that the meeting ended peacefully before the victims departed, only to be attacked shortly afterwards in neighbouring Otukpo LGA.

The Benue State Police Command also confirmed receiving reports of the incident. Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said investigations had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the killings and identify those responsible.

The attack comes amid recurring security challenges affecting communities in Otukpo and Ohinmini local government areas, where residents have frequently reported attacks and clashes linked to insecurity in the region.