Gov Alia Orders Probe, Arrest Of Killers Of Benue MACBAN Chairman

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has expressed shock and sadness over the killing of the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku and his friend.

The governor has ordered security agencies to launch a thorough and transparent investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the killing.

He further directed security operatives to leave no stone unturned in fishing out the perpetrators to serve as a deterrent to others who seek to destabilise the state.

Alia also urged security agencies to enhance security measures to ensure that community leaders engaging in security and peace-building efforts are protected. He said the act came at a particularly sensitive time when the state was witnessing a significant return to peace and stability across various local government areas.

The governor’s chief press secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula,l in a statement yesterday said Alia viewed the incident not only as a tragedy to the state but as a direct attempt to undermine the peace and the atmosphere of reconciliation that his administration had worked tirelessly to foster

“It is deeply regrettable that this unfortunate incident occurred shortly after a security meeting,” he said.

He emphasised that the killing of any community leader or peace advocate is a blow to the ongoing dialogue between various stakeholders in the state.

The governor urged members of MACBAN 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 condolences to the family of Alhaji Ardo Risku and the entire MACBAN community.

“Our administration remains resolute: Benue is a home of peace, and we will not allow the shadows of the past to eclipse the bright future we are currently building,” the statement said.