By Imam Murtadha Gusau
Monday, June 29, 2026
In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds and Lord of all creation — may the salutations of Allah, His peace and blessings be upon the noblest of all of the Prophets and Messengers, Muhammad, upon his family, his Companions and all those who follow them precisely until the establishment of the Hour.
Dear brothers and sisters! For all those who understand the security problems in Nigeria, Wallahi, the gruesome murder of Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), is a tragic blow to peace and stability in Benue State and our beloved country, Nigeria.
Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, his son, and his close associate, Yakubu Isah, were ambushed and shot several times by unidentified gunmen, the enemies of peace, on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The fatal attack occurred around Okudu village in the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were targeted barely an hour after leaving a crucial peace and security dialogue convened by local authorities in the neighbouring Ohimini LGA.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “direct assault” on the administration’s painstaking efforts to restore lasting security, dialogue, and mutual trust among farming and herding communities.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, expressed deep sadness, describing the murder as a reprehensible act designed to destabilise the progress made toward peaceful coexistence.
The national leadership of MACBAN expressed deep shock, noted that the circumstances pointed to premeditation, and cautioned stakeholders against ethnic profiling or reprisal attacks.
Following the attack, the Benue State Police Command deployed intensive intelligence gathering and tactical operations. On the night of June 27, 2026, police operatives arrested 10 suspects in Otukpo in connection with the double homicide. Investigations remain active to ensure all conspirators are brought to justice.
Respected brothers and sisters! Know that, supporting peacebuilding in our communities involves fostering dialogue, collaboration, and understanding among diverse groups. It requires active participation from individuals, local organisations, and government entities to create a harmonious environment for all.
No doubt, community peace is driven by social equity, effective communication, and inclusive development. When neighbours have fair access to economic opportunities and transparent mechanisms to resolve disputes, tensions dissolve and mutual trust grows.
The fundamental drivers of a harmonious community can be broken down into specific structural and interpersonal elements as follows:
- Social Equity and Justice
Fair treatment, equality, and equitable resource distribution reduce the resentment and jealousy that often fuel conflict.
- Effective Conflict Resolution
Having trusted elders, community leaders, or established local frameworks allows disagreements to be mediated before they escalate.
- Interfaith and Cultural Understanding
Respecting diverse traditions and engaging in dialogue fosters tolerance and breaks down the barriers of prejudice.
- Economic Stability
Reducing poverty and unemployment creates a stable environment where people can thrive without competing aggressively for basic needs.
- Education and Awareness
Teaching empathy, critical thinking, and non-violence from an early age helps instill long-lasting values of peaceful coexistence.
- Inclusive Leadership
Transparent, ethical, and accountable local governance builds trust and ensures that all voices—including those of youth and marginalised groups—are heard.
Understanding and building on these factors requires active participation. By mobilising community assets and promoting these values, societies can build strong, resilient peace.
Fellow brothers and sisters! Whoever knew Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, the late Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), knows him as a dedicated advocate for herder-farmer reconciliation. He made significant contributions to peace through the following initiatives:
- Promoting Peace Committees
He actively proposed and campaigned for the creation of grassroots peace and security committees. He visited traditional rulers in conflict-prone areas to ensure youth and community leaders were involved in fighting banditry and preventing crises.
- Identifying Criminal Elements
He publicly committed his organisation to identifying, exposing, and removing criminal elements among the herders. He firmly believed that community policing and joint efforts with local farmers would leave no hiding place for bad actors.
- Dialogue and De-escalation
He continuously participated in security and peace-building meetings with government officials, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian army, and community leaders to resolve crises and negotiate ceasefires.
His commitment to peace and dialogue tragically culminated on Friday, June 26, 2026, when he and his son were ambushed and killed by gunmen in Okudu village, Otukpo/Ohimini LGA, Benue State, shortly after a successful security meeting. His death was widely condemned by state and federal leaders as a devastating setback to ongoing reconciliation efforts.
Sincerely speaking! The Murder of Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed is a great loss to Nigeria. He was very peaceful man, and has been very instrumental in peace returning to Benue state. Indeed, Nigeria loss a national treasure.
And finally, the noble Qur’an emphasises justice as a fundamental pillar of peace, unity and progress, commanding all people to be completely fair in their dealings, even when it is difficult. Allah the Almighty says:
“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both. So follow not the lusts of your heart, lest you avoid justice, and if you distort your testimony or decline to do justice, verily Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do.” [Qur’an, 4:135]
And He the Most High says:
“O you who believe! Be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” [Qur’an, 5:8]
And He the Almighty says:
“Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.” [Qur’an, 16:90]
And He says:
“And if you judge, judge between them with justice. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” [Qur’an, 5:42]
I beg the Nigerian authorities to immediately and transparently investigate this brutal killing. It is appalling that attending a peace meeting had turned out to be a death trap.
This matter must not be swept under the carpet. Nigerian authorities must promptly and effectively investigate these killing and bring to justice those suspected to be responsible. Authorities must ensure access to justice and effective remedies for the victims and their families.
Wassalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa bara ka tuh
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may the salutations of peace, security and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad, upon his family, upon all his Companions and true followers.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761 or +2348024192217.