FG condemns killing of MACBAN chairman in Benue, demands arrest of perpetrators

.Sultan seeks impartial probe into killing of MACBAN chairman

The Federal Government has condemned the killing of the Benue Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Risku, and his associate, describing the incident as reprehensible and unacceptable.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, expressed shock, sadness and outrage over the incident in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yomi Odunuga.

Akume said the killing was a direct assault on the peace, reconciliation and mutual trust that communities across Benue had painstakingly worked to rebuild.

He expressed concern that the incident occurred at a time when the state had continued to witness improvements in security and the gradual restoration of peaceful coexistence among its diverse ethnic, cultural and religious communities.

The SGF warned that enemies of peace must not be allowed to reverse the gains achieved through dialogue, understanding and collective sacrifice.

He reiterated that sustainable development and economic prosperity could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and mutual respect.

Akume urged communities in Benue to reject attempts by criminal elements to sow seeds of discord, hatred and reprisals, stressing that no individual or group should take the law into their hands.

He said lasting peace remained the foundation for attracting investment, expanding agriculture, creating jobs and ensuring a better future for citizens.

The SGF extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the leadership and members of MACBAN, and others affected by the incident.

He called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the killings.

Akume insisted that those responsible must be identified, arrested and prosecuted.

He recalled that following the killings in Yelwata, he had demanded that those behind the atrocity be brought to justice, noting that suspects had since been apprehended and were standing trial.

The SGF stressed that the same commitment must be demonstrated in the killing of the MACBAN chairman and his associate, adding that the perpetrators must face the full wrath of the law.

“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,” he stated.

Akume further reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to tackling insecurity in all its forms across the country.

He said the President had continued to provide security and intelligence agencies with the necessary support, resources and strategic direction to combat criminality and ensure the safety of Nigerians.

The SGF urged residents of Benue to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.

He also called for continued support for efforts aimed at strengthening peace, security and harmonious coexistence in the state.

Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has expressed profound grief over the tragic killing of Alhaji Ardo Risku, the Benue Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Sultan described the deceased as “a courageous advocate of peaceful coexistence’.

The statement signed by the National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, was made available to newsmen in Abuja.

In the statement, Abubakar, who is the Chairman, Board of Trustees of MACBAN, urged the relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and impartial investigation into the killing.

He said the government should ensure that every person found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.

While mourning the painful loss, Sultan commended the prompt response of the Benue Government and security agencies for the arrest of suspects in connection with the murder.

He said late Risku consistently championed reconciliation and constructive engagement in the pursuit of lasting peace in Benue.

Sultan also described the late Fulani leader as a respected community leader whose life was devoted to fostering peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding among pastoralists and farming communities.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the leadership and members of MACBAN nationwide, and the people and Government of Benue over the loss of Risku.

The traditional ruler noted that the deceased’s commitment to dialogue and conflict resolution earned him the respect of people across communities.

The Sultan appealed to all residents of Benue and the wider public to remain calm, shun reprisals, and allow the due process of the law to take its course.

He emphasised that no grievance should be allowed to undermine public peace or ignite further violence.

He stressed that justice could only be sustained when pursued through lawful institutions.

“The late Alhaji Ardo Risku dedicated his life to building bridges across communities.

” The most fitting tribute to his memory is for all of us to uphold the values of peace, restraint, dialogue, and mutual respect that he lived and worked for,” the Sultan stated.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

The Sultan also prayed to Allah to bless the family of the deceased, friends, and associates with the strength and patience to bear this irreparable loss.