Benue Security Adviser, Council Chairmen demand arrest of killers of MACBAN Chairman

Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

Special Adviser, Benue State Governor on Internal Security, Dr Joe Har, has called on security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Alhaji Mohammed Ardo Risku, and one other person.

Dr Har made the call on Sunday while addressing journalists during a press conference at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi following the gruesome murder of the MACBAN chairman and his associate, Yakubu Isa, in Otukpo Local Government Area on Friday.

The security adviser described the incident as a heinous and unfortunate act, stressing that the Benue State Government strongly condemns the killings and remains committed to ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

According to him, despite the concerted efforts of Governor Hyacinth Alia to restore peace and security across the state, criminal elements have continued to undermine the government’s peace initiatives.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the gruesome murder of the late Mohammed Ardo Risku and his associate. We urge all law enforcement agencies to intensify investigations and ensure that those behind this dastardly act are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

Dr Har, who was flanked by council chairmen from the Benue South Senatorial District, noted that the state, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, remains committed to promoting peaceful coexistence among all residents irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliations.

He described the late Mohammed Ardo Risku as a man who worked tirelessly to foster harmonious relationships between nomadic Fulani herders and their host communities across the state.

Speaking during the press conference, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Hon. Martin Ejeh, described the killing of the MACBAN chairman as painful and unfortunate.

According to him, the deceased was a peace-loving individual who dedicated his life to promoting unity and understanding among different groups in the state.

Similarly, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Hon. Maxwell Ogiri, condemned the brutal killing and dissociated the people of the area from the act.

He described the incident as the handiwork of unknown gunmen and expressed confidence that security agencies would apprehend those responsible.

“The people of Otukpo condemn this senseless killing. We believe the perpetrators are criminal elements, and we are optimistic that security agencies will bring them to justice,” he said.

Also reacting, the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Hon. Augustine Adole, sympathised with the families of the deceased and called for patience as security agencies intensify investigations.

He specifically appealed to the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus C.N. Nwadiogwu, to strengthen efforts towards apprehending the culprits.

Adole further urged all security agencies in the state to collaborate effectively in order to reduce criminal activities and restore lasting peace in Benue.

According to him, the Idoma people and Fulani herders have coexisted peacefully for many years without major confrontations, stressing that the latest incident should not be allowed to create division among the communities.

He called on residents to remain calm and law-abiding while security operatives carry out their investigations, expressing confidence that those responsible for the killings would soon be brought to book.