Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has condemned the killing of Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku, insisting that those behind the attack must be arrested and prosecuted.
Akume described the killing of the MACBAN leader and his associate as shocking, tragic and unacceptable, warning that such violence poses a serious threat to the peace and reconciliation efforts being rebuilt across Benue State.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the SGF said the incident amounted to a direct assault on efforts to restore trust and harmony among communities in the state.
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According to him, the attack occurred at a time when Benue had started recording improvements in security and increasing signs of peaceful coexistence among its diverse ethnic, religious and cultural groups.
He warned that enemies of peace should not be allowed to reverse the progress already achieved through dialogue, understanding and collective sacrifice.
“Those responsible for the murder of the MACBAN chairman and his associate must be identified, arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” Akume said.
The former Benue governor called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings.
He stressed that every effort must be made to uncover those behind the crime and ensure they are brought to justice.
Referencing the recent killings in Yelwata community, Akume noted that suspects linked to the attack had already been apprehended and are currently facing trial.
He said the same commitment and determination must be applied in the investigation into the death of the MACBAN chairman.
“The lives of every Nigerian are sacred. Those who believe they can undermine peace through violence and murder must understand that there will be no hiding place for them. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done,” he stated.
Akume also appealed to residents to reject attempts by criminal elements to incite reprisals, hatred and division among communities.
He reiterated that sustainable development, investment, agricultural growth and job creation can only thrive in an environment of peace, tolerance and mutual respect.
Benue remains one of Nigeria’s most volatile states due to recurring attacks linked to communal disputes, armed groups and farmer-herder tensions.
The killing of the MACBAN chairman has raised fresh concerns over efforts aimed at sustaining recent improvements in security and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The SGF extended condolences to the family of the late Ardo Risku, members of MACBAN and all those affected by the incident.
He also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to combating insecurity nationwide, saying the administration has continued to support security agencies with resources and strategic direction needed to tackle criminality.
Akume urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.
