Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has lamented the killing of the state’s Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Chairman, Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, saying it could jeopardise peace efforts.
The Reverend Father made this known on Saturday in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula.
Muhammad and one other person, identified as Yakubu Isah, were allegedly killed on Friday by gunmen in the Otukpo Local Government Area while returning from a peace meeting.
Confirming the attack, the Chairman of the Local Government, Maxwell Ogiri, noted that the incident has created palpable tension in the community where the attack occurred and other neighbouring communities in the local government area.
He said, “It is true that the state chairman of MACBAN was killed within Otukpo LGA this afternoon. The killing has raised tension in the community and environs.”
Reacting to the death of the MACBAN leader, Governor Alia said the heinous act came at a sensitive time when the state is witnessing a significant return to peace and stability across various local government areas.
According to him, the incident is not only a tragedy to the state but a direct attempt to undermine the hard-earned peace and the atmosphere of reconciliation that his administration has worked tirelessly to foster.
He said, “It is deeply regrettable that this unfortunate incident occurred shortly after a security meeting.”
ALSO READ: Remi Tinubu incurs Nigerians’ wrath after urging them to embrace akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli businesses
While expressing deep shock and sadness over the reported killing, Alia emphasised that the killing of any community leader or peace advocate is a blow to the ongoing dialogue between various stakeholders in the state.
He went on to issue 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.
The governor further urged them to leave no stone unturned in fishing out the perpetrators of the heinous act and bringing them to justice swiftly to serve as a deterrent to others who seek to destabilise the state.
While he regretted the setback, he urged 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 was quoted as saying.
Governor Alia also extended 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.”