Fresh details have emerged about the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, whose family says he was ambushed shortly after attending a police-organised peace meeting.
According to Daily Trust, Muhammad was shot dead on Friday while returning from the meeting in Idekpa, Ohimini Local Government Area. His colleague, Yakubu Isah, who rode with him on a motorcycle, was also killed in the attack.
Muhammad’s eldest son, Muhammad Idris, said his father informed the family that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) had invited him to a peace meeting to address farmer-herder disputes. Due to poor road conditions, he travelled by motorcycle alongside Fulani leaders Alhaji Muazu and Alhaji Gudel on separate bikes.
Idris said his father was surprised to find only the DPO and a few elders from the Awule and Alulu communities at the meeting, contrary to earlier assurances that the Ohimini LGA Chairman and the Ado of Ohimini would attend. He alleged the DPO said their absence was not an issue.
According to Idris, discussions centred on complaints of cattle damaging farms and improving communication between local communities and Fulani herders. He said his father proposed inspecting the affected areas and resolving the disputes peacefully before he was attacked and killed on his journey home.
