MACBAN Chairman Killing: SAN Writes Tinubu On Threat Of Reprisal

Following the killing of the chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku, in Benue State by suspected gunmen, Prof. Sebastine Hon (SAN), has written a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to cause a swift investigation and ensure justice is served most transparently.

The constitutional lawyer also expressed fears of possible reprisal attacks on innocent people of the state by Fulani origin who feel aggrieved by the murder.

In a letter titled, “Murder of Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad and one other and the need to rise swiftly to the occasion”, dated 29th June, Chief Hon stated that even with the arrest of 10 persons in connection with the murder, such threats have littered and continue to grow on the social media space.

According to him, “Up to the time of writing this letter, I have yet to read or hear of any direct reaction by the federal government to the murders and then to the weighty threats of reprisal.

“Open threats of reprisal, especially directed at innocent citizens, amount to an open challenge to the sovereignty of the Federal Government of Nigeria and, if unrestrained, expose its inability to protect the citizenry. Such overt disclosure of intent to commit mass murder is also aimed at testing the Government’s willpower to hold society together and in proper check.

“I also state, Sir, that it is only the Government that has the right to openly boast of venting aggressive but legitimate anger, yet not on the innocents. It was Max Weber who once said: “A government is an institution that holds a monopoly of the legitimate use of violence.”

“Consequently, while I decry once again the cold murder of Alhaji Muhammad and his relative, I strongly urge you, Sir, to use your good offices to dig very deep into this incident, with a view to meting appropriate justice to the culprits. In doing so, direct security agencies to cast their searchlight expansively, in view of online allegations of possible internal conflicts among rival Fulani organisations, which have also littered social media.

“Mr President, Sir, amidst the cacophony of calls for reprisal against innocent communities in Benue State, there is at least one voice from a Fulani blogger, Salisu S. Fulani Loko, who wrote eloquently as follows: “To my fellow Fulani brothers and sisters, particularly the family, relatives, and friends of the late Ardo Risku of Benue State, Nigeria, I offer my heartfelt condolences.

“May God have mercy on him, forgive his shortcomings, and grant his family patience, comfort, and strength during this difficult time. At this moment of grief, I humbly appeal to all of us to refrain from seeking revenge against innocent people. We do not yet know with certainty who committed this crime. It would be a grave injustice to blame an entire community or tribe for the actions of unknown individuals.”

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria stressed further that, “If innocent people are harmed in retaliation, it will only create more sorrow, more hatred, and more bloodshed. It will not bring Ardo Risku back, nor will it bring true justice. Let us remain patient and allow the Government of Nigeria and the security agencies to investigate this crime thoroughly.

Whoever is found responsible should be arrested, prosecuted, and punished in accordance with the law. Justice should be based on evidence, not on suspicion or collective blame. As Fulani, let us demonstrate wisdom, self-control, and respect for justice. Let us not allow grief to lead us into actions that could harm innocent people and deepen the conflict. May God grant justice to the oppressed, guide us to what is right, protect all innocent lives, and bring peace to our land. Amen.

“A copy of this Facebook post made on 28 June 2026, is hereto attached as Annexure 1. Kindly take a cue, Your Excellency, from this and similar voices of reason, especially as no one knows whether those publicly promising reprisals will heed the call for restraint. Consequently, I most respectfully urge you to act Very Fast, to stem any planned mass murder of innocent Benue citizens.

“Kindly also remember that Benue State is one of the States where insurgency has wreaked the most havoc over two decades. Any aggravation of the unfortunate lot of the Benue people should, with respect, be timeously put in check – at least, for the sake of humanity. “While fervently and prayerfully expecting your kind, quick action.”