Gov Alia, Police Condemn Killing Of MACBAN Chairman, Risku Muhammad, One Other In Benue

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Governor Hyacinth Alia, of Benue State, has condemned the killing of the chairman of the Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Benue state chapter, Ardo Risku Muhammad.

This is even as the state command of the Nigeria Police has condemned the killing, vowing to leave no stone unturned to ensure the culprits are apprehended and brought to book.

The MACBAN chairman was allegedly killed at about 2 pm on Friday, in Okudu community of Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA), alongside his friend, Yakubu Isah, while returning from a peace meeting they attended in Ohimini LGA.

Meanwhile, a statement issued in Makurdi on Saturday by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Alia, expressed shock at the incident that claimed the life of the MACBAN chairman.

He noted that the incident is not only a tragedy for the state but also a deliberate attempt to undermine the hard-earned peace and atmosphere of reconciliation that his administration has worked tirelessly to foster.

According to the governor, “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.

“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”.

The Governor, who said he was saddened by the incident, called on security agencies to move swiftly to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of the MACBAN chairman and his friend.

Alia described the act as particularly disturbing, coming at a time when the state is witnessing a significant return to peace and stability across several local government areas.

He emphasised that the killing of any community leader or peace advocate is a serious setback to the ongoing dialogue and peace-building efforts among various stakeholders in the state.

Accordingly, the Governor has issued a clear and firm directive to all relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice without delay.

While expressing regret over the unfortunate development, Alia urged members of MACBAN and the general public to remain calm, law-abiding, and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

The governor, therefore, called security agencies in the state to”Launch a thorough and transparent investigation immediately to uncover the circumstances surrounding the killing.

“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 destabilise the state.

“Enhanced security measures to ensure that community leaders engaging in security and peace-building efforts are protected.”

“Regrettably, this unfortunate incident occurred shortly after a security meeting aimed at consolidating peace across the state,” the Governor stated.

Furthermore, he extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Ardo Risku, the MACBAN community, and all those affected by the tragic loss, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and sustaining the peace-building process across the state.

Also reacting to the incident, the
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in the state, DSP Udeme Edet, on behalf of the state Commissioner Of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, pledged that the police will go to all lengths to arrest the perpetrators of the act.

According to the statement, “The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, strongly condemns in its entirety the brutal killing of the chairman of MACBAN, Ardo Risku Muhammad and one Yakubu Isah, who were reportedly attacked by unknown assailant(s) while returning from a security meeting along Okwudu Ogoli road, Otukpo.

“The command sees this unfortunate incident as a senseless and criminal act that is capable of undermining the peace and security efforts currently being sustained across the state.

“The Commissioner of Police expresses deep concern over the incident and extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and all those affected by this tragic loss.

“He assures the public that the command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident, while tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed to identify, apprehend, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The command will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the culprits are arrested and prosecuted”

The CP urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and refrain from taking the law into their own hands or spreading unverified information capable of escalating tensions.

He further appeals to anyone with credible information that could help the investigation to promptly report to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.

The Benue State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that those responsible for the heinous act are brought to book, he vowed.