MAKURDI, Benue State — The family of the late Ardo Risku Muhammad, a Fulani community leader, has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into his killing, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death shortly after he attended a security meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the deceased's eldest son, Muhammad Idris, the family said Ardo Risku Muhammad attended a security meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ohimini LGA after being informed that the Chairman of the Local Government Area and the Ado of Ohimini would also be present.
According to the statement, the expected stakeholders were absent when the meeting commenced, and the gathering ended without any security arrangements being made.
The family alleged that shortly after leaving the meeting, Ardo Risku Muhammad and his associate, Yakubu Isah, were ambushed and killed at Okudu in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Muhammad Idris further claimed that before the attack, another Fulani leader had reportedly observed a suspicious Hilux vehicle with tinted windows near the route taken by the victims.
The statement also linked the incident to an earlier attack in Aokpe, Okpokwu Local Government Area, in which Muhammad Idris said he survived an ambush that claimed the life of Yahaya Idris. He expressed fears that the two incidents could be connected and stated that he believes his life remains under threat.
While stressing that he was not making direct accusations against any individual or institution, Muhammad Idris described it as disturbing that his father was killed shortly after attending a security meeting convened by security authorities. He also claimed that neither the DPO who convened the meeting nor the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government had contacted the family following the incident.
The family described the late Ardo Risku Muhammad as a respected Fulani leader who worked to promote peaceful coexistence and resolve disputes between herders and farming communities.
The statement called on the Benue State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant security agencies to conduct a transparent investigation into the killings, clarify the circumstances surrounding the security meeting, provide protection for surviving family members, and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and officials of Ohimini Local Government Area had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the family's statement.
Prime Brief Media will continue to monitor the case and publish updates as official responses and verified information become available.
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