The Federal Government has condemned the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his associate, describing the act as a direct assault on the peace and reconciliation efforts in the state.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who condemned the act in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, expressed shock and outrage over the incident, and demanded an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation by security agencies.
The SGF noted with concern that the murders occurred at a time when Benue State had been recording encouraging improvement in security and a gradual restoration of peaceful coexistence among its diverse communities. He warned that criminal elements seeking to reverse those gains must not be allowed to succeed.
“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 be seen to be done,” Akume stated.
Akume drew a parallel with the killings in Yelwata, noting that suspects in that case had since been apprehended and were currently standing trial. He insisted that the same determination must be applied to the present case, calling on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to identify, arrest, and prosecute all those connected to the crime.
The SGF urged the communities across Benue State to resist any temptation to retaliate or take the law into their own hands, stressing that lasting peace remained the surest foundation for attracting investment, growing agriculture and creating jobs.
He called on residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information to support ongoing investigations.
Senator Akume extended condolences to the family of the late Alhaji Risku, the MACBAN leadership and all those affected by the killings.
He also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling insecurity across the country, noting that the President had continued to provide security and intelligence agencies with the resources and strategic direction needed to confront criminality in all its forms.
