The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, and one other person identified as Yakubu Isah have been killed by gunmen in Otukpo Local Government Area, triggering tension in parts of Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the MACBAN chairman had attended a peace meeting allegedly convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini with leaders of Ayunne community in Ohinmini Local Government Area of the state on Friday.

However, as the chairman and his companion were travelling back, gunmen reportedly ambushed their vehicle at a village in Otukpo Local Government Area and killed him and the other occupant.

His eldest son, who disclosed the incident to journalists in a telephone interview late on Friday, said his father was ambushed and killed.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, who confirmed the incident, said there was palpable tension in the community where the incident occurred and other neighbouring communities in the local government area.

He said, “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.”

Ogiri, who called on residents of the local government area to remain calm, said security operatives were on top of the situation.

Also speaking on the incident, the Chairman of Ohinmini Local Government Area, Adole Gabriel, stated that the MACBAN state chairman had attended a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer of the local government area on Friday.

“You know there was a crisis in Ayunne community where some people were killed some time ago, and the DPO of Ohinmini convened a peace meeting with the Fulani herders and the community.

“I was told that the meeting was fruitful and, at the end of the meeting, the man (MACBAN chairman) left. Unfortunately, I learnt that some gunmen ambushed his vehicle at Okudu community in Otukpo LGA and killed him with one other person.”

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had received the report and added that an investigation was ongoing.

Some communities in Otukpo and the neighbouring Ohinmini Local Government Areas have experienced incessant attacks by suspected armed herders.