The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his son, Ibrahim, have reportedly been killed by suspected local militia members while returning from a peace meeting in Otukpo, deepening concerns over the worsening security situation in the state.
According to security sources cited by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, the attack occurred near Ahimeni in the Okodu area shortly after the father and son departed a peace dialogue aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among communities.
The victims were said to have attended the meeting as part of ongoing efforts to foster reconciliation and strengthen harmony among residents before they were ambushed and killed on their journey home.
The incident has heightened fears over the persistent wave of violence in parts of Benue State, where repeated attacks have continued to claim lives, displace communities and fuel ethnic tensions.
Residents described the killings as particularly tragic, noting the irony that the victims lost their lives shortly after participating in a meeting dedicated to dialogue, peace and conflict resolution.
Stakeholders, however, cautioned against using the incident to promote ethnic profiling or collective blame, stressing that criminal acts should be treated as the responsibility of individuals rather than entire ethnic or religious groups.
They noted that millions of Fulani men, women and children are law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to their communities and should not be stigmatized because of the actions of a few criminal elements.
The latest attack, they said, underscores the urgent need for sustained collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to tackle insecurity and strengthen peace-building efforts across the country.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while efforts were reportedly underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The killing of the MACBAN chairman and his son has further intensified calls for decisive action to end the recurring violence in Benue State and ensure lasting peace and security for affected communities.
