Miyetti Allah Chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad and Associate Killed After Peace Meeting in Benue, Police Launch Investigation

The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Risku Muhammad, has been tragically killed alongside his associate, Yakubu Isah, in a deadly attack by unknown gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

According to a report by Vanguard published on Friday, June 26, 2026, the fatal incident occurred on Friday afternoon along the Okudu axis while the victims were returning home after attending a peace and security meeting in neighbouring Ohimini Local Government Area.

The slain MACBAN chairman and his associate were said to have participated in a stakeholders’ meeting focused on strengthening peace and enhancing security across the area. The meeting was reportedly convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) serving the Idekpa Division in Ohimini as part of ongoing efforts to foster peaceful coexistence among communities.

However, tragedy struck shortly after the meeting ended. At about 2 p.m., while travelling back home, the victims’ vehicle was reportedly intercepted by heavily armed attackers who opened fire on them. Both men were killed on the spot before the assailants fled the scene.

The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and security agencies have commenced investigations to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killings and identify those responsible.

Confirming the incident, the deceased chairman’s eldest son, Idris Muhammad, said his father and Yakubu Isah were attacked moments after departing the peace meeting.

“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.

According to Idris, family members later recovered the bodies of the victims and transported them to Oyangede, where burial arrangements were carried out in accordance with local customs.

The killings have sparked anxiety among residents, raising fresh concerns over security in parts of Benue State that have continued to grapple with recurring violent attacks and instability.

Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the incident, describing the security situation in the affected community as delicate and urging residents to remain calm despite the unfortunate development.

“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 incident, 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 disclosed that relevant security authorities had been notified and expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would uncover those behind the killings and ensure they are brought to justice.

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 members of the public that efforts were underway to track down the perpetrators.

Edet further appealed to residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that could assist ongoing investigations into the tragic killing of the MACBAN chairman and his associate.