Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has expressed shock and sorrow over the killing of the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his companion.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor noted that the attack occurred at a delicate moment when several local government areas in the state were beginning to experience a return to peace.
He described the incident as a tragic development and a deliberate attempt to disrupt the fragile peace and reconciliation efforts his administration has been working to consolidate.
“It is deeply regrettable that this unfortunate incident occurred shortly after a security meeting,” he said.
He noted that killing any community leader or peace advocate is a blow to ongoing dialogue between stakeholders.
Alia directed all relevant security agencies to launch a thorough and transparent investigation immediately.
“They must leave no stone unturned in fishing out the perpetrators and bringing them to justice swiftly to deter others who seek to destabilize the state,” he said.
He also urged them to enhance security for community leaders involved in peace-building.
While regretting the setback, he urged MACBAN members and the 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,” he said.
He extended his condolences to the family of Risku and the entire MACBAN community, reaffirming that his administration remains firmly committed to peace in the state.
He added that Benue is a home of peace and would not allow the challenges of the past to overshadow the progress and brighter future currently being built.
