By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, Ardo Muhammad, has been killed by suspected gunmen.
According to reports, the Miyetti Allah leader was assassinated alongside a colleague identified as Yakubu Isah , while returning from a trouble-shooting meeting held in Ohinimini Local Council of the state on Friday.
Local witness accounts informed that the deceased had attended a peace meeting organized by the Head of the Police formation in Ohinimini.Local Government between Fulani and Ayunne community leaders to address recent communal clashes, and security challenges in the area.
The MACBAN State Chairman, and his companion were ambushed, attacked, and killed by armed hoodlums within Okudu Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state while heading back to their station.
While reacting, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Council, Honourable Maxwell Ogiri, described the incident as unfortunate and painful, noting that it has the potential of undermining peace efforts, and heightening tension in the area.
‘It is true that the Benue State Chairman of MACBAN was killed within Otukpo Local Government Area this afternoon.
“The incident has created fear and heightened tension among residents of the community and surrounding areas”, the Council Chairman stated.
He, however, sued for calm among the people, urging them to resist the temptation of resorting to self-help or embarking on any other action that may undermine peace and stability.
This was as Hon Adole Gabriel, the Chairman of Ohinimini Local Council, confirmed that the Miyetti Allah leader was an active participant at the peace meeting held in the area, before the unfortunate incident.
“You know there was a crisis in Ayunne community where some people were killed some time ago . The DPO of Ohinimini invited Fulani herders, and community representatives for a peace meeting, aimed at finding lasting solutions to the conflict.
” From what I was told, the meeting ended successfully, and everyone left in good spirit.
” Unfortunately, while the MACBAN Chairman was on his way back, gunmen ambushed his vehicle in Okudu Community in Otukpo Local Government Area ,and killed him alongside another person”, Gabriel narrated.
Spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, while confirming the incident, informed that a full scale investigation has been launched to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the killings,and the perpetrators.
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