- Condemns killing, says chaos can not reign in Benue State
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has expressed deep shock and profound sadness following the brutal killing of Alhaji Ardo Risku, the State chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), who was slain alongside his friend.
The governor, who condemned the attack, described the targeted killings as a heinous and cowardly act designed to disrupt the region’s security, noting that the unfortunate incident has struck a severe blow to Benue State at a highly sensitive time, while also threatening to undermine a hard-won resurgence of peace and stability that had recently taken root across multiple local government areas.
Lamenting that the violence threatens to disrupt atmosphere of reconciliation that his administration has worked tirelessly to foster with many displaced communities beginning to experience safety, the Governor, said: “It is deeply regrettable that this unfortunate incident occurred shortly after a security meeting”.
Consequently, the statement said the Governor has issued 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; To leave no 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; and Enhanced security measures to ensure that community leaders engaging in security and peace-building efforts are protected.
According to the statement, while the Governor Alia regrets this setback, he has urged all members of MACBAN and the general public to remain calm and law-abiding, cautioning that: “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”.
In extending his heartfelt condolences to the family of Alhaji Ardo Risku and the entire MACBAN community, the Governor assured that: “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”.
