Plateau Miyetti Allah chair killed, two soldiers, three others die in Benue 

Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Barkin Ladi Local Council of Plateau State, Muhammad Adamu, has been killed by gunmen.

Adamu was attacked at his residence in Barkin Ladi Town just after breaking his fast on Wednesday around 7 pm and rushed to the nearby hospital for medical attention. He later died yesterday morning.

State Chairman of the group, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, who confirmed the incident to journalists, condemned the incident and called on the security agencies to arrest the perpetrators.

A youth leader, Alhaji Danjuma Ibrahim, said the body had been deposited at the Barkin Ladi General Hospital and was to be buried yesterday.

Danjuma, while condemning the incident, recalled that it was the third time the chairman had been targeted by gunmen.

A spokesperson for the State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, did not respond to enquiries at press time.

IN a related development, two soldiers and three others have reportedly been killed by suspected armed herdsmen at Anyiase community, near Jato Aka in Kwande Local Council of Benue State.

Recall that several communities around Jato Aka have repeatedly come under attacks from armed herdsmen who, over time, sacked several of the communities, forcing the locals to flee to the centre of Jato Aka for safety.

It was gathered that the two soldiers were killed in an ambush by the bandits, who on Wednesday, attacked the community, where three of the locals were also killed.

A source said: “We were told that the bandits attacked the community, killing three persons and the soldiers, who were on patrol, ran into them and in the ensuing fight, two soldiers were killed, and some of the bandits were also killed.

“The development has forced a lot of people to flee their homes, while many ran to catch a glimpse of the remains of the soldiers.”

Lamenting the development, the President-General of Mzough U Tiv, MUT Worldwide and Chairman of Leaders of Benue Socio-Cultural organisations, Chief Iorbee Ihagh, who hails from Kwande council area, stated: “Five persons, made up of two soldiers and three natives, were killed in the attack.”

He appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to intensify efforts at improving the security of the people, while urging the residents to always defend themselves.