The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Alhaji Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, have been killed by gunmen shortly after attending a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area.

The attack occurred on Friday at Okudu village in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in parts of the state.

Muhammad had attended a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini, involving community leaders and Fulani herders, to discuss measures aimed at restoring peace in Ayunne Community following recent violence.

According to sources, the MACBAN chairman and his companion were ambushed and shot dead while returning from the meeting.

The deceased’s eldest son, Idris Muhammad, confirmed the incident, saying his father was attacked on his way home from the peace dialogue.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the killing, describing the incident as disturbing and noting that it had heightened tension in the area.

He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies were responding to the situation.

The Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, said the peace meeting had ended successfully before the attack occurred.

He explained that the dialogue was organised following an earlier crisis in Ayunne Community, where several people were reportedly killed.

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident and said investigations had commenced to identify those responsible.

“I have received the report and investigation is ongoing,” she said.

Reacting to the killing, the national leadership of MACBAN condemned the attack, describing it as “dastardly and deeply disturbing.”

In a statement issued by its National President, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, the association said it was alarming that a community leader who had just participated in a peace meeting could be targeted and killed.

MACBAN called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

The association also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and pledged to continue supporting efforts aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and collaboration with security agencies to tackle insecurity across the country.