Benue Gov Alia condemns killing of MACBAN Chairman; Orders Immediate Investigation

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the reported killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku and his friend.

The Governor said the heinous act came at a particularly sensitive time when the state is witnessing a significant return to peace and stability across various local government areas.

The Governor viewed this incident not only as a tragedy to the state but as a direct attempt to undermine the hard-earned peace and the atmosphere of reconciliation that his administration has worked tirelessly to foster.

“It is deeply regrettable that this unfortunate incident occurred shortly after a security meeting”.

He emphasizes that the killing of any community leader or peace advocate is a blow to the ongoing dialogue between various stakeholders in the state.

The Governor therefore, issues a clear and firm directive to all relevant security agencies to launch a thorough and transparent investigation immediately to uncover the circumstances surrounding the killing.

He urged them to leave no stone unturned in fishing out the perpetrators of the heinous act and bring them to justice swiftly to serve as a deterrent to others who seek to destabilize the state.

He also appealed to them to enhanced security measures to ensure that community leaders engaging in security and peace-building efforts are protected.

While he regreted the setback, he urged all members of MACBAN and the general public to remain calm and law-abiding.

“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”.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of Alhaji Ardo Risku and the entire MACBAN community.

He promised that “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”