Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on Sunday expressed profound shock, sadness and outrage over the gruesome killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his associate.
Also, the Benue State Police Command has condemned the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Ardo Rabo Mohammed, and one Yakubu Isa, describing the attack as a senseless criminal act capable of undermining ongoing peace and security efforts.
Senator Akume describes the dastardly act as reprehensible, unacceptable and a direct assault on the peace, reconciliation and mutual trust that communities across Benue State have worked painstakingly to rebuild.
According to a statement by his Media Adviser, Yomi Adenuga, the SGF notes with grave concern that the incident occurred at a time when the state has continued to witness encouraging improvements in security and the gradual restoration of peaceful coexistence among its diverse ethnic, cultural and religious communities. He warns that enemies of peace must not be allowed to reverse the gains already recorded through dialogue, understanding and collective sacrifice.
Senator Akume, who throughout his tenure as Governor of Benue State consistently preached peaceful coexistence and unity among all residents, irrespective of ethnic, cultural or religious differences, reiterates that sustainable development and economic prosperity can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and mutual respect.
He therefore urges all communities in Benue State to reject every attempt by criminal elements to sow seeds of discord, hatred and reprisals, stressing that no individual or group should take the law into their hands. According to him, lasting peace remains the strongest foundation for attracting investment, expanding agriculture, creating jobs and guaranteeing a better future for all citizens.
The SGF extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Alhaji Ardo Risku, the leadership and members of MACBAN, and all those affected by the tragic incident.
Senator Akume calls on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to immediately carry out a thorough, transparent and painstaking investigation into the killings, insisting that no stone must be left unturned in identifying, arresting and prosecuting everyone connected with the heinous crime.
He recalls that following the horrific killings in Yelwata, he unequivocally demanded that those behind the atrocity be tracked down and brought to justice. Today, those suspects have been apprehended and are currently standing trial. The SGF insists that the same resolve must be demonstrated in this case, stressing that those responsible for the murder of the MACBAN Chairman and his associate must likewise be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“The lives of every Nigerian are sacred. Those who believe they can undermine peace through violence and murder must understand that there will be no hiding place for them. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the SGF stated.
Senator Akume further reiterates the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to confronting insecurity in all its forms across the country. He notes that the President has continued to provide the nation’s security and intelligence agencies with the necessary support, resources and strategic direction to decisively tackle criminality and ensure that every part of Nigeria is safe for citizens to live, work and pursue legitimate livelihoods.
The SGF urges all residents of Benue State to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations, and continue to support all efforts aimed at strengthening peace, security and harmonious coexistence throughout the state.
Signed:
Meanwhile, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet.
The Police explained that the two victims were attacked by unknown assailants while returning from a security meeting along the Okwudu-Ogoli Road in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The Police Commissioner expressed deep concern over the incident and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and all those affected by the tragedy.
He assured residents that the command had commenced a full-scale investigation into the killings, adding that tactical and intelligence assets had been deployed to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
“The command will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the culprits are arrested and prosecuted,” the statement quoted the commissioner as saying.
Nwadiogbu urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and avoid taking the law into their own hands or spreading unverified information capable of escalating tensions.
He also appealed to anyone with credible information that could assist the investigation to report to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency communication channels.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that the police would continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure those behind the killings are brought to justice.
