Gunmen kill Benue MACBAN chairman, friend after peace meeting

Tension has escalated in parts of Benue State following the killing of Alhaji Risku Muhammad, the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and his associate, Yakubu Isah. The two men were gunned down shortly after attending a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area.

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It is true that the state chairman of MACBAN was killed within Otukpo Local Government Area this afternoon. The killing has raised tension in the community and neighbouring areas.

The attack, which took place in Okudu village within the neighboring Otukpo Local Government Area, has amplified fears of escalating violence in communities already grappling with recurring attacks and deep-seated communal tensions. Sources indicate that Muhammad and Isah were ambushed while returning from the peace meeting, which was convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini LGA. The meeting aimed to foster peace in the Ayunne Community, which had recently suffered several fatalities.

Idris Muhammad, the eldest son of the deceased MACBAN chairman, confirmed the incident, stating his father was attacked en route home from the meeting. Maxwell Ogiri, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, also confirmed the killings, describing them as "disturbing" and acknowledging the heightened tension in the area. He appealed for calm, assuring residents that security agencies are actively addressing the situation.

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You know there was a crisis at Ayunne Community where some people were killed some time ago, and the DPO of Ohinmini convened a peace meeting involving Fulani herders and members of the community. I was told the meeting was fruitful and, at the end of it, the man (MACBAN chairman) left. Unfortunately, I learnt that some gunmen ambushed his vehicle at Okudu Community in Otukpo Local Government Area and killed him alongside one other person.

Adole Gabriel, Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, corroborated that the MACBAN chairman had participated in the peace dialogue just before the attack. He explained that the meeting was intended to resolve a crisis in Ayunne Community. "I was told the meeting was fruitful and, at the end of it, the man (MACBAN chairman) left. Unfortunately, I learnt that some gunmen ambushed his vehicle... and killed him alongside one other person," Gabriel stated.

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I have received the report and investigation is ongoing.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed receiving a report of the attack and has launched an investigation. The national leadership of MACBAN has condemned the killings as a "dastardly and deeply disturbing act."

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dastardly and deeply disturbing act.