The Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his friend have been killed while returning from a security meeting they attended in Otukpo.
Reacting to the killing, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the murder, describing the attack as a calculated attempt to undermine the peace and stability gradually returning to the state.
The governor, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, said the tragic killing came at a critical period when Benue was witnessing significant improvements in security across several local government areas.
Governor Alia who expressed deep shock and sadness over the incident, lamented that perpetrators were bent on frustrating the state’s peace-building efforts.
The Governor stressed that the killing of a community leader and peace advocate was a serious setback to the ongoing dialogue among stakeholders and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving peace across the state.
He described the incident as “not only a tragedy to the state but a direct attempt to undermine the hard-earned peace and the atmosphere of reconciliation that this administration has worked tirelessly to foster.”
“It is deeply regrettable that this unfortunate incident occurred shortly after a security meeting,” the governor said.
He directed all relevant security agencies to immediately launch a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay.
The governor also ordered enhanced security measures to safeguard community leaders actively involved in security and peace-building initiatives, saying government would not allow criminal elements to derail the progress already recorded.
While sympathising with the bereaved families, Governor Alia appealed to members of MACBAN and the general public to remain calm, law-abiding and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions.
“We must not allow those who profit from chaos to succeed in inciting further violence or disrupting the peace we have taken time to build,” the Governor said.
The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of Alhaji Ardo Risku and the entire MACBAN community, assuring them that justice would be pursued to its logical conclusion.
“Our administration remains resolute: Benue is a home for peace, and we will not allow the shadows of the past to eclipse the bright future we are currently building,” Governor Alia added.
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
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