Benue South Council Chairmen seek calm over MACBAN leader's murder, back hunt for killers

By Johnson Arua

Chairmen of Local Government Areas in Benue South Senatorial District have condemned the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, urging residents to remain calm as security agencies intensify efforts to apprehend those behind the attack.

The council chairmen said they would work closely with security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are identified and prosecuted, while cautioning against ethnic profiling or actions capable of escalating tensions.

Ardo Risku and his associate, Yakubu Isah, were reportedly ambushed and killed by suspected gunmen on Friday afternoon along the Okudu axis of Otukpo Local Government Area while returning from a peace and security meeting in Idekpa, Ohimini Local Government Area.

The meeting was said to have been convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Idekpa as part of ongoing efforts to improve security and foster peaceful coexistence in the area.

Speaking on the incident, the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, described the late MACBAN chairman as a personal friend and a steadfast advocate of peace.

According to him, "Ardo was a very close friend. He could come to my house at any time, and that shows the kind of relationship we had. His death has left us devastated.

"He was always at the forefront of peace-building. Whenever there was a security issue anywhere around us, he reached out immediately so that together we could prevent further violence. We met several times to ensure that peace prevailed." Adole expressed disbelief that the attack could have been carried out by members of the local community.

"He came to Ohimini for a peace meeting and was attacked on his way back. This was a carefully planned act. I do not believe my people or any Idoma-speaking person was involved.

"We appeal to the Fulani community and members of MACBAN to remain patient and allow security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation. We are confident those responsible will be exposed."

Also reacting, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, described the incident as tragic and unfortunate, noting that it occurred at a time when stakeholders were making concerted efforts to strengthen peace in the area.

"It is heartbreaking that a man who had just participated in a meeting to promote peace and security was murdered while returning home. We strongly condemn this senseless act," he said.

Okri commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for promptly condemning the attack and directing security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"The governor has demonstrated leadership by immediately ordering security agencies to go after those responsible. We are confident justice will be served."

He maintained that the late MACBAN chairman had consistently supported initiatives aimed at promoting harmony between herders and host communities.

"There are enemies of peace who are determined to create division and instability. We urge our people not to resort to self-help but to cooperate with security agencies, who are working tirelessly to arrest the criminals," he added.

Earlier, the Benue State Governor's Special Adviser on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har, appealed for restraint, assuring that security agencies had already commenced investigations.

Har said the government remained committed to ensuring that those behind the killing are identified and prosecuted, urging residents not to take actions that could undermine the ongoing investigation.