By Zagazola Makama
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 local militia members while returning from a peace meeting in Otukpo, Benue State.
Sources said the incident occurred near Ahimeni in the Okodu area as the victims were travelling home after participating in the meeting aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence among communities.
The killing has sparked renewed concern over the persistent insecurity in parts of Benue State, where recurring attacks have continued to claim lives and heighten ethnic tensions.
Community members described the incident as tragic, noting the irony that the victims lost their lives shortly after attending a meeting dedicated to promoting peace and dialogue.
Stakeholders have urged Nigerians not to allow the actions of criminal elements to fuel ethnic profiling or collective blame, stressing that criminality should remain an individual responsibility rather than being attributed to any ethnic or religious group.
They noted that millions of Fulani men, women and children are law-abiding citizens who contribute to their communities and should not be targeted because of the actions of a few criminal elements.
The incident has further pointed to the need for sustained collaboration among government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to address insecurity and strengthen peace-building initiatives 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 ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over the cycle of violence in parts of the country and highlights the urgent need for lasting measures to safeguard innocent lives and promote peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.
