*Orders immediate investigation
The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has expresses shock and sadness over the reported killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), in Benue State, Alhaji Ardo Risku and his friend.
He deprecates the heinous at a particularly sensitive time when the state is witnessing a significant return to peace and stability across various local government areas, according to a statement by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
The Governor views 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,” the Governor stated.
He emphasizes that the killing of any community leader or peace advocate is a blow to the on-going 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 also instructed them not to leave any 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.
Alia also instructed that enhanced security measures should be put in place to ensure that community leaders engaging in security and peace-building efforts are protected.
While he regrets this setback, he urges 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,” he emphasised.
He extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of Alhaji Ardo Risku and the entire MACBAN community.
“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,” he added.
