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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, expresses deep shock and sadness over the reported killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku and his friend.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Alia said the heinous act came at a particularly sensitive time when the state is witnessing a significant return to peace and stability across various local government areas.
The Governor described the incident not only as a tragedy to the state but as 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”.
He emphasized 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 therefore, issues 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.
He said they must 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.
He urged them to enhanced security measures to ensure that community leaders engaging in security and peace-building efforts are protected.
While he regrets the setback, he urged all members of MACBAN and the general public to remain calm and law-abiding saying “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 extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of Alhaji Ardo Risku and the entire MACBAN community with a pledge 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”.
