AI Demands Probe Into Killing Of Pastoralists Chairman, Friend In Benue

Amnesty International (AI) Nigeria has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to immediately launch a transparent investigation into the killing of the Chairman of the Pastoralists Association in Benue State, Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his friend, describing the incident as “appalling” and warning that failure to act would reinforce the country’s prevailing culture of impunity.

In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page on Saturday, the human rights organisation said the two men were brutally killed shortly after attending a peace and security meeting convened by the Ohimini Local Government authorities in Benue State on Friday, June 26, 2026.

“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and transparently investigate the brutal killing of the chairman of Pastoralists Association in Benue State, Alhaji Ardo Risku and his friend,” Amnesty International said.

The organisation described the incident as particularly disturbing, noting that a meeting intended to promote peace allegedly ended in tragedy.

“It is appalling that attending a peace meeting had turned out to be a death trap. Failure to investigate this incident can only reinforce the prevailing culture of impunity,” the statement added.

“Our findings show that the Fulani Alhaji Ardo Risku was invited on Friday 26 June 2026, by the Ohimini Local Government authorities to attend a security meeting aimed at discussing issues relating to peace and security. But about an hour after attending the meeting, and on their way back home Alhaji Ardo Risku and his friend were reportedly accosted at Okudu village, where they were slaughtered into pieces after being shot several times. Images of the bodies of the victims obtained by Amnesty International are beyond horrifying,” the group said

The rights group also linked the incident to an earlier attack on the deceased’s family, stating that one of Risku’s sons was attacked only a week before the killing and left with life-threatening injuries.

Calling for justice, Amnesty International urged the authorities not to allow the matter to be overlooked.

“This matter must not be swept under the carpet. Nigerian authorities must promptly and effectively investigate these killing and bring to justice those suspected to be responsible. Authorities must ensure access to justice and effective remedies for the victims and their families,” the organisation stated.

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Government and security agencies had not publicly responded to Amnesty International’s allegations.