Makurdi, Nigeria — June 26, 2026 — The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, has been killed by unidentified gunmen in an ambush in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Muhammad was attacked alongside his associate, Yakubu Isah, at about 2 p.m. on Friday in Okwudu community while returning from a peace and security meeting held in neighbouring Ohimini LGA.
According to his eldest son, Idris Muhammad, the victims were ambushed shortly after leaving what he described as a “fruitful” meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer in Ohimini.
“My father and his colleague were attacked on their way back from the meeting. We recovered their bodies and took them to Oyangede for burial,” he said.
The Chairman of Ohimini LGA, Gabriel Adole, confirmed that the late MACBAN leader had attended the meeting prior to the attack, which occurred in Otukpo LGA.
The killing has drawn condemnation from MACBAN, which described the incident as suspicious, noting its timing shortly after a security meeting.
The association called for a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible and ensure justice is served.
The incident comes amid persistent farmer-herder tensions and security challenges in parts of Benue State, where the late Muhammad was known for his involvement in peace-building efforts.
As of the time of filing this report, the police had yet to issue an official statement, while investigations are expected to commence.
