Tension gripped parts of Benue State on Friday after gunmen killed the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Risku Muhammad, and his friend, Yakubu Isah, shortly after a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area of the state.
The attack, which reportedly occurred at Okudu village in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area, has heightened fears of renewed violence in communities already troubled by recurring attacks and communal tensions.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that Muhammad had attended a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini LGA alongside community leaders and Fulani herders to discuss measures aimed at restoring peace in Ayunne Community, where several people were reportedly killed in a recent attack.
Sources said Muhammad and his companion were travelling back from the meeting when gunmen ambushed their vehicle and shot them dead.
The eldest son of the deceased, Idris Muhammad, who confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Friday night, said his father was attacked while returning from the meeting.
