Benue MACBAN Chairman Killed After Peace Meeting

The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, and another man, Yakubu Isah, were killed by gunmen yesterday in Otukpo Local Government Area. Muhammad had just attended a peace meeting convened by the DPO of Ohinmini LGA with Fulani leaders and the Ayunne community to address recent security concerns.

According to reports, Muhammad and his companion were ambushed at Okudu community in Otukpo LGA while returning from the meeting. The Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the incident, saying, "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 environs." The Benue State Police Command has commenced an investigation.

This is a deeply troubling development when a man leaves a peace meeting and is killed on his way back. It raises serious questions about the effectiveness of these dialogues and the security of those who participate in them. Have we reached a point where even peacemakers are not safe?