Murdered Benue MACBAN leader buried in Ankpa

By Johnson Arua

The Benue State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, Ardo Risku Muhammad has been buried in Ankpa after he was reportedly murdered in an ambushed by armed men in Okodu community, Otukpo Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State.

Ardo Muhammad was killed alongside his friend Friday afternoon at about 2pm in an ambush.

The MACBAN Chairman was reportedly murdered while on his way back from a security meeting in Idekpa, Ohimini LGA when they were ambushed by armed youths who reportedly shot and killed both men.

Eldest son of the deceased Chairman, Idris Muhammad, who confirmed the murder said they had attended a peace meeting called by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, and were on their way back when they ran into the ambushed.

"They killed my father the Ardo and his associate, Yakubu Isah while on their way from the peace meeting called by the DPO in Ohimini. We have recovered their bodies and took them to Oyangede for burial," Idris said.

Contacted, the Otukpo LGA Chairman, Mr. Maxwell Ogiri confirmed the development saying "the area the incident happened is tense right now but I appeal for calm because the Police are on top of the situation."

On his part, the Chairman of Ohimini LGA, Gabriel Adole who also confirmed the murder of the MACBAN Chairman said he was killed in Otukpo after attending a successful peace meeting in the LGA.

The meeting was conveyed in Ohimini and it was fruitful and he left, unfortunately he was killed in Otukpo. The police have been informed of the development," he said.

The Police in Benue in a statement by its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet said investigation into the matter has commenced.