KEY POINTS

• Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the killing of Benue MACBAN Chairman, Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his associate, describing it as an attack on peace efforts.
• The governor has ordered security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
• Alia urged residents and MACBAN members to remain calm and avoid reprisals while assuring the victims’ families that justice would be served.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has strongly condemned the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Alhaji Ardo Risku, and one of his associates, describing the incident as a deliberate attack on the peace-building efforts currently underway in the state.

The governor expressed deep shock and sadness over the tragic development, noting that it occurred at a time when Benue had begun recording significant improvements in security and peaceful coexistence across several local government areas.

His reaction was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula.

Killing Threatens Progress Made Through Dialogue

Governor Alia said the murder of the MACBAN chairman was particularly disturbing because the deceased was regarded as a community leader and an advocate of peace.

According to him, the attack has the potential to undermine the gains achieved through sustained dialogue, reconciliation and collaboration among different communities and interest groups across the state.

He stressed that the state government remains committed to fostering peaceful coexistence among all residents, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

The governor directed security agencies to immediately launch a comprehensive, transparent and professional investigation into the killings.

He instructed law enforcement authorities to identify those responsible for the attack, ensure their arrest and prosecute them in accordance with the law.

Alia urged security operatives to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident, insisting that justice must be served to deter similar acts of violence.

While mourning the loss of the MACBAN chairman and his associate, Governor Alia appealed to members of the association and the wider public to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

He called on residents to continue supporting ongoing efforts aimed at preserving peace and stability in Benue State, warning that retaliatory actions could further threaten the fragile peace achieved in recent months.