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MAKURDI – Prof Sebastine Hon (SAN), governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in Benue State, has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the killing of the chairmen, Benue State chapter of Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku Muhammad.
While he expressed concern over the rising wave of threats on social media and other platforms, allegedly from aggrieved Fulani persons, calling for revenge, Hon warned against reprisals against the people of Benue communities as a result of the incident.
The governorship candidate, in a statement signed by Dr Ngutor Anyam, the Director General, Prof. Sebastine Tar. Hon Campaign Organisation, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday, called for an expanded scope of investigations.
He said, “The campaign organisation expressed concern over a rising wave of threats on social media and other platforms, allegedly from aggrieved Fulani elements calling for revenge against innocent indigenes of Benue State.”
It therefore called for restraint, noting online claims suggesting that the killing may be linked to internal disputes among rival Fulani groups rather than communal targeting.
According to Prof Hon, “These public threats to take the law into one’s hands are deeply alarming. They pose a grave risk of escalating communal tensions and constitute a direct challenge to the sovereign authority of the Federal Government, which alone holds the legitimate monopoly of force.
“Benue State has endured insurgency and communal violence for over two decades. In light of this fragile security context, we urge President Tinubu to act swiftly and transparently to prevent planned or spontaneous reprisals that could lead to further loss of life.”
The governorship candidate, however, referenced a Facebook post by one blogger, Salisu S. Fulani Loko, who also appealed for calm and warned that retaliatory violence would only multiply grief and hatred.
The Hon campaign organisation further urged leaders at all levels to ensure the sanctity of every Nigerian life, expressing confidence that federal authorities will respond promptly to protect all citizens and ensure justice is served based on evidence.
“We call on law enforcement agencies to carry out a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this killing”, Hon emphasised.
Prof Hon, who extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and to all those affected by the incident, described the death of Ardo Muhammad as a tragic loss that occurred while he was returning from a peace meeting.
