Fulani Cattle-Herding Bosses Assassinated by Rival Fulani Hit Team.
(Makurdi), BREAKING: Tension has spread across parts of Nigeria’s central Benue State after two senior Fulani tribal leaders were shot dead Friday evening by gunmen of their own ethnicity.
The killings have heightened fears of reprisals, even as some Christian communities expressed relief over the deaths of the two leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). The Fulani ethnicity is one of the largest in Africa numbering as many as 47 million, and up to 10 million Nigerians identify as Fulani, according to AfriGo magazine. MACBAN is a Fulani Sociocultural group sometimes blamed for funding terror, kidnapping and killing of Christians in Benue and other Middle Belt States.
The victims were identified as Ardo Mohammed Risku, chairman of MACBAN in Benue State and his deputy, Yakubu Isah
They were ambushed at about 6:30 p.m. on June 26 in Okudu village, Otukpo, while returning from a peace and security meeting in neighboring Ohimini. Authorities have confirmed the killings but have not identified those responsible.
The meeting, convened by the Divisional Police Officer in Ohimini, brought together Fulani leaders and residents of Ayunne, a predominantly Christian farming community that has recently experienced deadly attacks, in an effort to reduce escalating violence.
The killings come amid a long-running series of attacks on Christian farming communities by armed Muslim Fulani Ethnic Militia operating in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. While the conflict is frequently characterized as a clash over resources, the overwhelming dynamic in Benue State involves heavily armed Fulani ethnic militias attacking rural farming communities, according to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.
According to the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, armed Fulani militias were linked to nearly 24,000 civilian deaths during a four-year period, making the conflict one of Nigeria’s deadliest sources of violence
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom also reported in May 2026 that attacks by armed Fulani militants remain a major driver of religious freedom violations, civilian casualties, displacement, and instability in Nigeria
Eyewitness Account
John Oche, who said he was driving behind the victims’ vehicle, told TruthNigeria that armed Fulani militia stopped the convoy before opening fire.
“I saw about five heavily armed gunmen, speaking Fulani language, blocking the vehicle and shooting the passengers. After they fled into the bush, we approached and found the two Fulani leaders dead while the driver was seriously wounded,” Oche told TruthNigeria.
He cautioned that it remains unclear who carried out the attack, suggesting investigators should examine all possible motives, including internal rivalries or retaliation.
Mixed Reactions
Despite widespread fears of retaliatory violence, some residents of communities that have endured repeated attacks said the deaths brought a sense of relief.
Mary Simon, a resident of Ayunne, alleged that the slain leaders wielded significant influence over armed Fulani Militia operating in the area.
“There is tension everywhere, but many people also feel relieved. They played major roles in the insecurity that has plagued our communities,” she told TruthNigeria.
Another resident, Stephen Akogwu of Onyagede, expressed a similar view, saying locals hope the killings will reduce attacks
“The two Fulani leaders were known faces in our communities. Any time Fulani terrorists kill our people, Mohammed and his people will still come and extort money for peace to reign. We pray their end will end Insecurity ravaging our communities”, Akogwu told TruthNigeria
Security Analyst Warns Against Retaliation
Security analyst and Benue South Zonal Commander of Benue Civil Protection Guards, Pablo Agada said the incident underscores the volatility of Benue’s security environment and warned against drawing conclusions before investigations are completed.
“The assassination of prominent Fulani leaders can easily trigger cycles of retaliation if authorities fail to act swiftly,” he said.
“Security agencies must conduct a transparent investigation, identify those responsible based on evidence and reassure all communities that justice will be pursued. Preventing revenge attacks should now be the immediate priority.”, Agada told TruthNigeria
Authorities Confirm Incident
Speaking separately with TruthNigeria, officials confirmed the killings and said security forces had been deployed to prevent further violence.
Otukpo County Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri said he had been informed of the attack and acknowledged rising tension in surrounding communities.
Ohimini County Chairman, Gabriel Adole said he was shocked by the killings, noting that the earlier peace meeting had ended peacefully.
Benue State Police spokesperson Udeme Edet confirmed the incident, saying officers had been deployed to maintain order while detectives investigate the attack.
No arrests have been announced, and authorities have not identified the perpetrators or established a motive. The investigation is ongoing.
Ekani Olikita is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria.
