Muhammad Idris, the eldest son of the late Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, has alleged that his father was ambushed and killed after attending a police-convened peace meeting in Idekpa, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to Idris, his father received an invitation from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to attend the meeting, which ended without any indication of danger. While some participants left immediately, Ardo Risku Muhammad and his associate, Yakubu Isah, stayed behind for further discussions with the DPO.
Idris said the two men were attacked and killed by unidentified gunmen while returning home. He alleged that another participant, Alhaji Muazu, reported seeing a Hilux van with tinted windows parked along the route before the attack.
“And the meeting ended. Alhaji Muazu and Alhaji Gudel departed immediately after the meeting, while my father and Yakubu Isah remained behind in friendly discussion with the DPO. We strongly believe that the said Hilux van was positioned to target my father and Mr. Yakubu Isah, who were both ambushed and killed shortly afterward,” Idris said.
He maintained that the sequence of events suggests the attack was a planned assassination rather than a random act of violence.
