Gunmen have killed Ardo Risku Muhammad, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, in Benue State, alongside his associate Yakubu Isah, hours after they attended a peace meeting. The attack occurred on Friday, June 26, 2026, around 2 p.m. near Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The Attack: “Ambushed While Returning”
According to reports, Muhammad and Isah were attacked while travelling back from a security/peace meeting held in neighbouring Ohimini LGA. The meeting was allegedly convened by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Idekpa, Ohimini, and involved community leaders and Fulani herders. “The meeting was to discuss measures aimed at restoring peace in Ayunne Community, where several people were reportedly killed in a recent attack”. Armed youths reportedly ambushed their vehicle at Okudu and opened fire, killing both men on the spot.
Idris Muhammad, the eldest son of the deceased, confirmed, “They killed my father, the Ardo, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, after around 2 pm while on their way from the peace meeting called by the DPO in Ohimini. We have recovered their bodies and taken them to Oyangede for burial”.
Police and LG Chairmen’s Reaction
Otukpo LGA Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the incident and described the area as tense. “It is true that the state chairman of MACBAN was killed within Otukpo LGA this afternoon. The killing has raised tension in the community and neighbouring areas,” Ogiri said.
He appealed for calm, stating that “the police and other security agencies were already handling the situation”. Ohinmini LGA Chairman, Adole Gabriel, also confirmed that Muhammad had participated in the peace dialogue shortly before the attack. The Benue State Police Command said it has launched an investigation into the ambush. Police described the attack as a “dastardly act” in related reports.
Farmer-Herder Tensions in Benue
The killing comes amid longstanding farmer-herder tensions in Benue, often linked to the state’s 2017 open grazing prohibition law. Muhammad was a vocal MACBAN leader who frequently spoke on issues involving clashes, cattle rustling, and attacks on herders. Days before his death, he had condemned attacks on Fulani travellers in Okpokwu LGA and called on security agencies to arrest those responsible. Residents now fear possible reprisals. “The killing has heightened tension in the area, with residents expressing fears of possible reprisals and renewed insecurity”. MACBAN and local leaders have called for calm and a probe into the “suspicious timing” of the attack.
Bottom Line
The Benue MACBAN Chairman and his associate were shot dead near Okudu, Otukpo, on Friday afternoon after leaving a DPO-convened peace meeting in Ohimini. Police have launched an investigation, while LGA chairmen have urged residents to remain calm as security agencies respond. The incident has heightened fears of renewed violence in a volatile part of Benue.
