MAKURDI – Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has condemned the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, warning that enemies of peace must not be allowed to reverse the security gains recorded in the state.
Akume described the killing as a “dastardly, reprehensible and unacceptable” act, insisting it was a direct attack on the peace, reconciliation and mutual trust that communities across Benue have worked hard to rebuild.
The MACBAN chairman was reportedly shot dead alongside his associate by yet-to-be-identified gunmen while returning home from a meeting last week.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the SGF said he was deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic incident.
According to the statement, the attack came at a time when Benue had begun witnessing encouraging improvements in security and peaceful coexistence among its diverse ethnic, religious and cultural groups.
Akume warned that criminal elements must not be allowed to derail the progress achieved through dialogue, understanding and collective sacrifice.
“The SGF, Senator George Akume, CON, has expressed profound shock, sadness and outrage over the gruesome killing of the Benue State Chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his associate.
“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 painstakingly rebuilt,” the statement read.
He urged residents of the state to remain calm, avoid reprisals and reject every attempt by criminal elements to sow division and hatred among communities.
The SGF stressed that no individual or group should take the law into their own hands, noting that lasting peace remains the bedrock for investment, agricultural growth, job creation and economic prosperity.
Akume also called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure everyone connected with the crime is arrested and prosecuted.
He recalled that following the recent massacre in Yelwata, he had demanded the arrest of those responsible, adding that suspects in that case had since been apprehended and were currently standing trial.
“The same determination must be demonstrated in this case. Those behind the murder of the MACBAN chairman and his associate must equally be tracked down and brought to justice,” he said.
According to Akume, every Nigerian life is sacred and those seeking to undermine peace through violence must understand that there will be no hiding place for criminals.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackling insecurity across the country, saying the President has continued to provide security and intelligence agencies with the resources and strategic support needed to combat crime nationwide.
The SGF extended his condolences to the family of the late Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, the leadership of MACBAN and everyone affected by the tragic incident.
He reiterated that throughout his tenure as Governor of Benue State, he consistently promoted peaceful coexistence among all residents, regardless of ethnic, religious or cultural differences, maintaining that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and unity.
