The Taraba State Police Command has confirmed the killing of Ibrahim Saidu, popularly known as D.O., the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Takum Local Government Area of the state, following an attack by unidentified gunmen at his residence.
The Command disclosed that it had commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing, assuring residents that efforts were underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Mshelizah, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, stating that the development had received the attention of the Command.
According to him, security measures had been strengthened in the affected area through increased patrols and collaboration with other security agencies to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.
Mshelizah explained that the measures were intended to maintain peace, prevent possible reprisal attacks and protect lives and property following the murder of the MACBAN chairman.
He said the police would not disclose details of intelligence gathering or investigative leads while investigations were ongoing, noting that doing so could compromise the process.
However, he assured that all relevant information was being carefully examined and that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in Taraba State, CP Edwin Ogbeghagha, had appealed to residents of the affected communities, particularly supporters and associates of the deceased, to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions.
The Commissioner also reportedly urged residents not to take the law into their own hands or circulate unverified information that could trigger further tension or violence.
The Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security in Takum and other parts of Taraba State, assuring residents that the investigation would continue and those responsible for the killing would face the full weight of the law.
Earlier reports indicated that Saidu was killed on Sunday evening after gunmen reportedly stormed his residence in the Abuja Quarters area, along Rogo Primary School Road, in Takum.
Sources disclosed that the deceased had returned home safely from the Takum Cattle Market on Sunday evening before the attackers struck.
According to the sources, the assailants arrived on a motorcycle, stormed his residence and opened fire on him, killing him in the attack.
The circumstances surrounding the killing, including the identities of the gunmen and their possible motive, remain unclear.
The murder of the MACBAN chairman has raised fresh concerns over security in Takum, particularly amid fears that the killing could trigger retaliatory violence if tensions are not properly managed.
The police have not disclosed whether any suspects have been arrested or established a motive for the attack.
The incident also places renewed attention on the security situation in Taraba State, where authorities face the challenge of preventing further violence while ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
For now, the police have appealed for calm as investigations continue, with residents awaiting answers over the circumstances surrounding the killing of the prominent cattle breeders’ association leader.