Benue Leaders Condemn MACBAN Chairman’s Killing, Urge Calm, Assure of Justice

From Dooshima Terkura Makurdi

Fresh condemnations have continued to trail the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Risku Muhammed, and his associate, as government officials and local council chairmen blamed criminal elements for the attack and urged residents to remain peaceful.

Ardo Risku was reportedly ambushed and killed by armed assailants at Okwudu in Igoli, Otukpo Local Government Area, while returning from a peace meeting held in Ohimini Local Government Area.

Addressing journalists on Sunday, the Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, joined the nine local government chairmen from Benue South Senatorial District in strongly condemning the incident, describing it as unacceptable and a threat to the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.

Har noted that the killing occurred at a time when Benue had recorded relative peace, adding that the state had not witnessed any major armed herders’ attacks for about six months.

He described the late MACBAN chairman as a committed advocate of peace who worked tirelessly to promote harmony among communities.

He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and members of MACBAN, stressing that neither the Idoma nation nor the Benue State Government had any connection with the attack. According to him, the act was carried out by criminal elements determined to disrupt the existing peace.

The security adviser called on law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the murder. He also appealed to aggrieved persons, especially members of MACBAN, not to resort to self-help or retaliatory actions.

“We appeal to everyone to remain calm and law-abiding. The peace we are enjoying should not be destroyed by the actions of criminals,” Har said.

Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Benue State, Melvin Ejeh, also condemned the killing and distanced the Idoma people from the incident.

He maintained that the attack was neither planned nor supported by any community but was the handiwork of individuals seeking to create unrest.

Ejeh described the murder as a tragic loss, noting that the deceased was widely known for promoting peace and development. He warned against reprisal attacks, saying such actions would only harm innocent people and deepen tensions.

Similarly, the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, said he was shocked by the news of Risku’s death. He disclosed that he had maintained a cordial relationship with the deceased and often worked with him to encourage peaceful coexistence between herders and host communities.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, described the killing as a rude shock, especially at a time when efforts were being intensified to strengthen peace and security in the area. He assured the family of the deceased that authorities would do everything possible to ensure that those behind the attack are arrested and prosecuted.

The council chairmen collectively urged residents to cooperate with security agencies, remain peaceful, and allow the law to take its course, while reaffirming their commitment to sustaining peace and preventing any attempt to trigger further violence in Benue South.