Masked Gunmen On Motorcycles Shoot Miyetti Allah Chairman Dead In Takum

Gunmen have killed the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu.

Sources in the area told Daily Trust that Saidu was shot dead at his residence in Anguwan Rogo, Takum town, on Sunday evening.

A resident of the area and neighbour of the deceased, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the gunmen arrived on motorcycles with their faces covered and shot Saidu several times.

“He was killed shortly after he returned home from the cattle market in the town,” the source said.

He said the attackers fled to an unknown destination after killing the MACBAN chairman, adding that the incident had thrown the neighbourhood into confusion.

The source described the deceased as a peaceful man who lived harmoniously with his neighbours.

“Late Ibrahim was a good neighbour and had lived with everyone in harmony. We are all mourning his death,” he said.

Saidu’s remains were buried on Tuesday according to Islamic rites in Takum.

The Taraba State Police Command confirmed the killing, saying Saidu, popularly known as D.O., was attacked by armed men at his residence in Takum.

The command’s spokesman, Victor Mshelizah, in a statement on Tuesday, said the police had launched a manhunt for the assailants.

He said, “Preliminary information indicates that the assailants reportedly arrived on a motorcycle before carrying out the attack.”

“An investigation has commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that they are brought to justice.”

Mshelizah said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Edwin Ogbeghagha, has directed that all necessary investigative measures be undertaken to unravel the circumstances of the killing.

He also said the Command is working in collaboration with other security agencies to strengthen security in the affected area and prevent any possible breakdown of law and order.

The police spokesperson appealed to members of the affected communities, family members, associates and supporters of the deceased, to remain calm and refrain from any action capable of escalating tension or triggering reprisal attacks.

He also urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information, rumours or allegations that could undermine ongoing investigations or threaten peaceful coexistence.

“Anyone with credible information that could assist the investigation is encouraged to approach the Police or other appropriate security agencies,” he said.

The Command commiserated with the deceased’s family, associates and members of MACBAN over this unfortunate loss.