Unknown gunmen have killed Alhaji Ibrahim Dio, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, in Takum local government council of Taraba State, raising fresh concerns over the security situation in the area.
The incident, according to information gathered by DAILY POST, occurred on Monday evening in front of the deceased's residence at Anguwan Abuja, opposite Rogo Primary School, Takum, shortly after he returned from the Takum Cattle Market.
Sources said the assailants, who reportedly arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire on Dio at close range, leaving him with fatal gunshot injuries. He reportedly died at the scene.
The motive behind the attack and the identities of the gunmen remain unknown as of the time of filing this report.
Confirming the incident, the Northeast Zonal Chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Saha'bi Tukura, expressed grief over the killing, describing it as a rude shock to members of the association.
Tukura said the association was deeply saddened by the death of its Takum Local Government Chairman, who was reportedly attacked and killed in front of his residence.
He called on security agencies to urgently deploy their operational resources to track down the perpetrators and ensure that they are brought to justice.
The MACBAN zonal chairman also urged security operatives to launch a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing, identify the motive behind the attack and establish those responsible.
He stressed that the need for a thorough investigation could no longer be overemphasised, particularly in view of the anxiety and concern the incident had generated among members of the association and residents of the community.
The killing has further heightened concerns over the safety of residents in Takum, with calls for security agencies to strengthen surveillance, intensify security patrols and adopt proactive measures to prevent further attacks.
The association is also seeking urgent intervention by the relevant authorities to ensure that the killing is not left unresolved and that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
Meanwhile, as of the time of filing this report, the Taraba State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Tension rises as gunmen kill Miyetti Allah chairman in Taraba