Benue Peace Talks Turn Tragic As Miyetti Allah Leader, Son Killed

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.

The incident was said to have occurred near Ahimeni in the Okodu area of the state while the victims were returning from a peace meeting in Otukpo.

According to Zagagola Makama, sources said the meeting was convened to promote peaceful coexistence among communities in the area.

The killing has heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Benue State, where recurring violence has continued to claim lives and deepen communal tensions.

Community members described the incident as tragic, noting that the victims were killed shortly after attending a meeting meant to encourage dialogue and peace-building.

Stakeholders urged Nigerians not to allow the actions of criminal elements to fuel ethnic profiling or collective blame.

They stressed that criminality should be treated as an individual responsibility and not attributed to any ethnic or religious group.

They also noted that many Fulani citizens are law-abiding Nigerians who contribute to their communities and should not be targeted because of the actions of criminals.

Efforts were reportedly ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the attack.