NIGERIA: Gunmen Kill Benue Miyetti Allah Chairman, Companion After Peace Meeting

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, and his companion, Yakubu Isah, have been killed by gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state shortly after attending a peace meeting aimed at resolving lingering tensions between herders and host communities.

The victims were reportedly ambushed on Friday at Okudu community while returning from the meeting, which was convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini Local Government Area with leaders of the Ayunne community and Fulani herders.

The attack has heightened tension across Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini, prompting local authorities to appeal for calm.

Confirming the incident, the Chairmen of Otukpo and Ohinmini Local Government Areas, Maxwell Ogiri and Adole Gabriel, described the killing as unfortunate, noting that the peace meeting had ended successfully before the attack occurred.

The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the incident, with its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, saying an investigation had commenced. Benue State has remained one of Nigeria’s major flashpoints for violent clashes involving armed groups, farming communities and herders, with repeated attacks, killings and displacement recorded in several local government areas despite sustained security operations and peace initiatives by both federal and state authorities.