Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian authorities to immediately launch a transparent investigation into the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the human rights organisation described the incident as “appalling,” saying it was disturbing that attendance at a peace meeting allegedly turned into a death trap.
According to Amnesty International, its findings indicated that Ardo Risku was invited by the Ohimini Local Government authorities on Friday, June 26, 2026, to attend a security meeting aimed at addressing peace and security concerns in the area.
The organisation alleged that about an hour after the meeting, while the victims were returning home, they were attacked at Okudu village, where they were reportedly shot several times before being killed.
Amnesty International said images of the victims’ bodies obtained by the organisation were “beyond horrifying.”
It also noted that the attack came barely a week after one of the deceased’s sons was reportedly attacked and left with life-threatening injuries.
The rights group warned that failure to investigate the incident would reinforce what it described as the prevailing culture of impunity.
“This matter must not be swept under the carpet. Nigerian authorities must promptly and effectively investigate these killings and bring to justice those suspected to be responsible,” the statement said.
Amnesty International further urged the authorities to ensure that the victims’ families have access to justice and effective remedies.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Government and security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on Amnesty International’s allegations.
