By Muhammad Idris
On Friday morning, I greeted my late father, Ardo Risku Muhammad. He informed me he had been invited to a meeting by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohimini Local Government Area at Idekpa. He initially planned to use his car but later opted for a motorcycle due to the poor condition of the road. He arranged for his associate, Mr. Yakubu Isah, to convey him.
He departed in the company of two other Fulani leaders, Alhaji Muazu and Alhaji Gudel, each on separate motorcycles.
According to Alhaji Muazu, upon arrival at the Divisional Police Station, my father was surprised to find only the DPO and a few elderly men who claimed to be from Awule and Alulu communities. This contradicted the DPO’s earlier representation that the Chairman of Ohimini LGA and His Royal Highness, the Ado of Ohimini, would attend. When my father asked about their absence, the DPO said it was not an issue and that they would be notified of any outcome.
The agenda of the meeting raised further concerns:
1. The DPO stated there were complaints of cattle destroying farms in the two communities. My father replied that the matter did not warrant his physical presence and could have been handled by phone. He asked the complainants to fix a date so he could engage the herders concerned to assess damage and reach a settlement.
2. The second issue was that community members were afraid to approach Fulani settlements with grievances and wanted my father to facilitate a meeting for better understanding. Again, my father requested a specific date. The DPO assured him he would be informed once the communities decided, and the meeting ended.
Alhaji Muazu and Alhaji Gudel left immediately after. My father and Yakubu Isah stayed behind for further discussion with the DPO.
While returning home, Alhaji Muazu reported sighting a Hilux van with tinted glasses. The occupants wound down to observe them but allowed them to pass. We strongly believe the van was positioned to target my father and Mr. Yakubu Isah, who were both ambushed and killed shortly afterward.
The attack occurred at approximately 2:00 PM, about 2 to 3 kilometers from Ohimini LGA, at Okudu in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Since the incident, I have received numerous calls and condolence messages from security officials, local government chairmen, friends, and well-wishers. Yet, more than 30 hours after the murder, neither the DPO of Ohimini who convened the meeting, nor the Chairman of Ohimini LGA where the meeting held, has contacted the family or sent a representative.
A few days prior to this incident, I was also attacked while traveling to Onitsha with friends. During that ambush in Aokpe, Okpokwu Local Government Area, one Yahaya Idris was killed before police operatives arrived and rescued us. Following appeals, my father agreed to withdraw the case after the community covered all expenses incurred. Despite that resolution, my father has now been killed.
Given these events, I no longer feel safe. I believe the attack on me was an initial attempt, and having failed, those responsible may still be targeting me.
While I am not making direct accusations, it is deeply troubling that a leader of the Fulani community could be killed shortly after attending a security meeting convened by state actors, within their jurisdiction, without any acknowledgement or condolence from those who initiated the meeting.
My late father, Ardo Risku Muhammad, was not only a Fulani man but a community leader committed to peace and to resolving conflicts between herders and farmers.
We therefore call on the Benue State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and all relevant security agencies to
1. Conduct a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the ambush and killing of Ardo Risku Muhammad and Yakubu Isah, and into the earlier attack in Aokpe where Yahaya Idris was killed.
2. Explain why a security meeting involving sensitive communal issues was convened without adequate protection and without the key stakeholders earlier mentioned.
3. Provide immediate security guarantees for me and other members of my family, as there is a credible threat to our lives.
4. Ensure that justice is served and that this pattern of targeted violence is halted.
Signed,
Muhammad Idris
The Deceased Eldest Son
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