The killing of a Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) chairman in Taraba State has renewed concerns after another state chairman and his son were killed in Benue State in June 2026.
Two chairmen of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) have been killed in separate attacks in 2026, with the latest incident reported in Taraba State.
The latest victim, Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu, popularly known as D.O, was the MACBAN chairman in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba.
His death comes months after Ardo Risku, the association’s chairman in Benue State, and his son, Ibrahim, were killed while returning from a peace meeting.
The separate incidents have drawn attention to the security challenges facing members of the association in parts of northern Nigeria. However, authorities have not established any connection between the attacks.
How was the Taraba MACBAN chairman killed?
Saidu was reportedly attacked on Sunday evening at his residence in Takum, Taraba State.
According to reports, he had returned from the Takum cattle market before armed men opened fire on him in front of his residence at Anguwan Abuja.
An eyewitness account published by Channels Television said the shooting occurred between 7pm and 8pm.
The attackers reportedly arrived on a motorcycle and fled after the shooting.
The Taraba State Police Command confirmed the killing and said it had begun an investigation.
Police spokesperson ASP Victor Mshelizah said preliminary information indicated that the attackers arrived on a motorcycle. Commissioner of Police Edwin Ogbegagha directed a comprehensive investigation to identify those responsible.
The police also appealed to residents, family members and MACBAN supporters to remain calm. They warned against actions that could trigger reprisal attacks.
The command said it was working with other security agencies to strengthen security in the affected area.
What happened to the MACBAN chairman in Benue?
The earlier attack occurred in June 2026, when gunmen killed Ardo Risku, the MACBAN chairman in Benue State, and his son, Ibrahim.
According to The Guardian’s report, the victims were returning from a peace meeting in Otukpo Local Government Area when they were ambushed near Ahimeni in the Okodu area.
The meeting was reportedly organised to promote peaceful coexistence among communities.
The attackers killed both men at the scene, according to the report. The incident raised concerns because the victims had reportedly attended a meeting intended to encourage dialogue.
The circumstances surrounding the Benue attack were different from the Taraba incident. While Risku and his son were reportedly ambushed on their way home, Saidu was attacked at his residence.
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Are the two killings connected?
There is no confirmed evidence that the two attacks were coordinated or carried out by the same group.
The victims held leadership positions in the same association, but the incidents happened in different states and under different circumstances.
The Taraba police have commenced an investigation into Saidu’s killing. Meanwhile, the Benue incident has also drawn attention to the security risks surrounding community leaders involved in peace efforts.
The two killings have renewed questions about the protection of local leaders and the safety of communities affected by insecurity.
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For now, the immediate concern is identifying those responsible for the attacks and preventing further violence. The investigations will be important in establishing the motives behind the killings and whether any wider security threat exists.