Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has expressed shock and sadness over the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his associate.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor described the attack as a tragic incident that occurred at a critical time when Benue State has been making significant progress in restoring peace and stability across several local government areas.
Governor Alia said the killing was not only a tragedy for the state but also a deliberate attempt to undermine the peace and reconciliation efforts his administration has consistently pursued.
“It is deeply regrettable that this unfortunate incident occurred shortly after a security meeting,” the statement read.
He stressed that the murder of a community leader and peace advocate was a major setback to the ongoing dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders working to promote lasting peace in the state.
The governor directed all relevant security agencies to immediately launch a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, urging them to leave no stone unturned in identifying and apprehending those responsible.
He said the perpetrators must be brought to justice without delay to serve as a deterrent to others seeking to destabilise the state.
Despite the incident, Governor Alia appealed to members of MACBAN and the general public to remain calm and continue to abide by the law.
“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,” he said.
The governor also extended his condolences to the family of Alhaji Ardo Risku and the entire MACBAN community.
“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,” he added.
