The Murder of Benue’s MACBAN Chairman and the Perilous Path Ahead –By Matthew Ma

On the morning of June 26, 2026, we were deeply shaken by the tragic news that Ardo Muhammad, the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association Benue State chapter, and Yakubu Isah were reportedly killed in an ambush by unidentified gunmen in the Otukpo Local Government Area. Just before this devastating event, Ardo Muhammad had attended an important peace meeting to foster dialogue and cooperation among community leaders. The meeting, organized by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini, brought together influential figures from the Ayunne community to maintain peace and address ongoing tensions in the region. As Ardo Muhammad and Yakubu Isah were returning from the meeting, they were intercepted by armed assailants. The attack killed both men instantly, sending shockwaves through the community and exacerbating existing tensions in Benue State.

Growing up in Benue, I am well aware of what reprisal attacks entail. In recent years, widespread reprisal attacks have led to retaliatory massacres and extensive property destruction. A notable historical instance of state reprisal occurred when Nigerian military soldiers killed more than 200 unarmed civilians and devastated property in Zaki Biam and neighboring Tiv villages. This operation was a form of collective punishment following the abduction and murder of 19 soldiers by local armed groups in the area. Between February and March 2016, coordinated assaults claimed the lives of hundreds across 10 Agatu communities and were widely regarded as reprisals. This cycle of retaliatory violence was reportedly in response to the killing of a prominent Fulani leader in 2013. Notably, while the original killing took place in 2013, the reprisal attacks unfolded three years later, in 2016.

In April 2021, a reprisal attack occurred in the Shangev-Tiev area of the Konshisha Local Government Area after an ambush by local militia killed an Army Captain and ten soldiers. In retaliation, the Nigerian military launched a large-scale ground and aerial offensive, mobilizing troops and fighter aircraft to recover lost weapons and personnel. The operation caused widespread destruction across numerous villages and infrastructure, severely affecting farms, schools, and hospitals in communities such as Bonta, Tse-Jembe, and Gbinde. While community leaders and the Shangev-Tiev Assembly reported that over seventy villagers were killed and hundreds displaced, state government and military officials disputed these claims, insisting that only a small number of civilians had died and that the operation was focused on targeting armed bandits.

In 2025, armed herders suspected of retaliation carried out nighttime attacks on communities, including Tse-Antswam, Aondona, and Tyolaha, in Gwer West Local Government. The violence caused numerous casualties, displaced thousands, and left hundreds of locals either missing or deceased. That same year, the death of a member of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard sparked a violent reprisal by the community. Relatives and residents retaliated with a counterattack that resulted in the burning of homes, the destruction of a rice mill, and the deaths of two villagers. The tragic assassination of the MACBAN chairman underscores a pressing need for security agencies to bolster their surveillance efforts in vulnerable communities. The killing of a leader engaged in reconciliation dialogues, particularly soon after attending a meeting, poses significant and complex repercussions. 

In the aftermath of the killing, inflammatory messages and calls for retaliation have surged on social media, heightening anxiety across the state even after the arrest of ten individuals in connection with the murder. Regrettably, some individuals on social media, including self-proclaimed “social media lawyers” and content creators from Benue, are downplaying the circumstances surrounding the chairman’s death. They are making comments that overlook the potential consequences of their statements. On platforms like Facebook, some from Benue are even praising the act of violence, while others express condolences, seemingly neglecting the broader implications of their words. It is disheartening to see such remarks from members of our community, who appear to show a troubling lack of awareness of the ramifications of their actions. Whether these online threats reflect genuine operational intent or are merely emotional reactions, they underscore the urgent need for security agencies to monitor incitement, reassure vulnerable communities, and prevent a cycle of retaliatory violence. Community leaders and residents now face the challenge of addressing the fallout from this brutal act and its implications for future peace efforts in the region.

There is particular concern that this act may be perceived as a targeted attack against a specific ethnic group. Speculation and theories are circulating about the circumstances surrounding his death. Some individuals claim that members of the Tiv ethnic group were directly involved in the incident, suggesting a motive tied to long-standing tensions between the Tivs and the Fulanis. Conversely, there are claims that individuals from his own community, the Fulani, may have played a role, raising questions about possible internal conflicts within the group. Additionally, some believe that his assassination could be linked to his efforts to broker peace with Fulani militants, indicating that his diplomatic initiatives may have rendered him a target for those opposed to reconciliation. Such perceptions can become deeply ingrained, regardless of the outcomes of comprehensive investigations. If individuals imply that the attack was deliberate without a thorough inquiry, it is likely to incite retaliatory actions from the affected groups, further escalating tensions within the state.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the intricate political landscape surrounding the killing of the MACBAN chairman. This tragic incident carries significant implications that extend far beyond mere criminality. It occurs amid heightened tensions in a state where both the Benue State Government and various stakeholders have been actively advocating for the implementation of anti-open-grazing laws. In addition to anti-open-grazing legislation, there has been a push for comprehensive land rights policies that seek to protect the interests of both agricultural and pastoral communities. The assassination of the MACBAN chairman poses a grave threat to the delicate progress made in recent years toward the anti-grazing law. This killing, if not contained, could disrupt ongoing dialogues on the anti-grazing law, potentially derailing efforts to achieve lasting peace. The political ramifications of this incident are likely to ripple through future discussions and actions on land governance in Benue State, affecting both policy development and community relations as various factions respond to the heightened tensions stemming from this tragic loss.

The final aspect to consider is the ethnic and social dimensions, which significantly shape the ongoing violence in Benue State. For many years, Nigeria has struggled with deeply ingrained narratives that unfairly paint the people of Benue in a negative light, often depicting them as inherently violent and obstinate. A prime example is the assassination of military personnel in Zaki-Biam and Shangev-Tiev, which sparked a wave of accusations and narratives that cast the Benue people as always taking the law into their own hands. Such reactions not only perpetuate the misconception that the Benue community is to blame for every violence but also reinforce the idea that peace in the region is an unattainable ideal. This belief is so pervasive that some individuals suggest the absence of peace in Benue is to be expected, further entrenching the stigma associated with its residents. Oversimplified and misleading perceptions surrounding the Benue people have profound consequences; they not only marginalize the community but also intensify divisions and tensions throughout the nation. As a result, the citizens of Benue often feel unfairly judged, trapped in a narrative that overlooks their struggles, resilience, and the complex realities of their situation. 

The Way Forward

While emotions understandably run high, the greatest danger is allowing grief to spiral into retaliation, perpetuating the cycle of violence that has plagued Benue State for years. The foremost priority must be a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation. Security agencies must ensure that every individual involved in the crime is identified, apprehended, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Although reports of arrests to date are encouraging, the investigation must continue until all those responsible are held accountable. Justice must not only be served but also visibly upheld. Second, all stakeholders must strongly condemn any reprisals. Community leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures, and MACBAN leadership should continue to urge restraint, emphasizing that innocent individuals should never be held accountable for criminals’ actions. We appeal to the victims to seek justice through lawful channels rather than retaliation—a stance that merits widespread support. 

Third, governments at both the state and federal levels should strengthen confidence-building measures between farming and pastoralist communities. The dialogue must continue despite the tragedy. To that end, peace committees should be strengthened, early warning systems improved, and security provided for community leaders engaged in reconciliation efforts. Fourth, security agencies must diligently monitor and respond to inflammatory rhetoric, particularly online threats that incite violence. Individuals who provoke attacks or spread harmful misinformation should be investigated and, where appropriate, prosecuted under current laws. It is equally crucial for citizens to exercise discernment by verifying information before sharing it and to refrain from spreading content that may escalate tensions.

Finally, long-term peace in Benue hinges on addressing the structural drivers of ongoing conflicts. This requires strengthening rural security, promoting modern livestock management, resolving land-use disputes through lawful channels, supporting affected communities regardless of ethnicity, and ensuring equal protection under the law for every citizen. The death of the MACBAN chairman must not become a catalyst for further bloodshed. Rather, it should serve as a pivotal moment that reminds governments, community leaders, and citizens that enduring peace can be achieved only through justice, dialogue, accountability, and mutual respect. By rejecting revenge and bolstering the institutions of justice, Benue can finally break the destructive cycle of violence that has claimed far too many lives.

Rev. Ma, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and public policy analyst. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.