The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Risku Muhammad, has been killed alongside his associate, Yakubu Isah, in a deadly ambush at Okwudu, a community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
Sources familiar with the incident said the attack occurred on Thursday, June 26, 2026, while Muhammad and Isah were travelling through the Okwudu–Otukpo axis. The assailants, suspected to be armed attackers, reportedly ambushed their vehicle and opened fire, killing both men at the scene before fleeing. Security operatives were later deployed to the area following reports of the attack.
Muhammad’s killing has triggered fresh tension in parts of Benue, particularly within Fulani and herder communities, where he was widely known as one of the most vocal leaders advocating for cattle breeders and pastoralists in the state. As MACBAN chairman, he frequently spoke on issues involving farmer-herder clashes, cattle rustling, insecurity and alleged targeted attacks on herders.
His death comes amid already heightened tensions in Benue’s southern axis, especially around Otukpo and Okpokwu local government areas, where violent incidents involving herders and local communities have increased in recent months. Just days before his death, Muhammad had publicly condemned attacks on Fulani travellers in Okpokwu LGA, calling on security agencies to arrest those responsible and ensure justice.
Earlier in June 2026, Muhammad issued a strong statement after four Fulani men travelling from Benue to Onitsha were ambushed in the Aokpe/Ugbokolo area of Okpokwu. He insisted the victims were innocent travellers and rejected social media claims linking them to kidnapping, warning that false accusations could worsen ethnic tensions.
Muhammad had also repeatedly raised concerns about insecurity affecting herders in Otukpo LGA. In previous months, he accused local youths of attacks on Fulani settlements and repeatedly appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia and security agencies to intervene before violence escalated further.
At the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued a full official statement identifying the attackers or confirming possible motives behind the ambush. However, security sources said investigations had commenced and efforts were underway to track down those responsible.
The killing of Ardo Risku Muhammad is expected to deepen concerns over the fragile security situation in Benue, a state that has long struggled with communal violence, kidnappings and recurring clashes involving armed groups, farming communities and pastoralists.
Community leaders and security stakeholders are now calling for calm, warning that retaliatory violence could worsen an already volatile situation. Many are urging authorities to ensure a swift, transparent investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice to prevent further escalation.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments