Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has expressed deep sorrow over the reported killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku, and one of his friends, describing the incident as a serious setback to the peace efforts in the state.
The governor said the reported killings came at a time when Benue was beginning to witness improved security and a gradual return to peace in several local government areas after years of violent attacks and communal clashes.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia described the incident as not only a tragic loss of lives but also a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to undermine the peace and reconciliation efforts being pursued by his administration.
According to the statement, the governor was deeply disturbed by the development, especially because it happened shortly after a security meeting aimed at strengthening peace and security across the state.
“It is deeply regrettable that this unfortunate incident occurred shortly after a security meeting,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
Governor Alia noted that the killing of a community leader and peace advocate was a serious blow to ongoing efforts by government, traditional rulers, security agencies and community leaders to build trust among different groups in the state.
For years, Benue has experienced recurring violence linked to clashes between farming communities and herders, as well as attacks by armed groups. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives, displaced many residents and destroyed farms and communities across several local government areas. In recent months, however, the state government has repeatedly said security operations and dialogue among stakeholders were beginning to produce positive results.
The governor warned that the latest incident could threaten the fragile peace if not properly handled, stressing that those behind the killing must be identified and brought to justice without delay.
He directed all relevant security agencies to immediately launch a thorough, professional and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Alhaji Risku and his companion.
Governor Alia instructed security operatives to leave no stone unturned in tracking down those responsible for the attack, saying the perpetrators must face the full weight of the law.
According to him, bringing those responsible to justice would not only provide justice for the victims and their families but also serve as a strong warning to others planning to destabilise the state through acts of violence.
The governor appealed to members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and residents of the state to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
He urged the public not to allow those seeking to create chaos to succeed in provoking fresh violence or destroying the gains already recorded in restoring peace.
“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,” the governor said.
Governor Alia also called on community leaders, youth groups, religious leaders and other stakeholders to continue supporting efforts aimed at maintaining peace and encouraging dialogue among the various ethnic and social groups in the state.
He extended his condolences to the family of the late Alhaji Ardo Risku and the entire MACBAN community, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the painful loss.
The governor assured residents that his administration remained fully committed to protecting lives and property and would continue working closely with security agencies to ensure that criminals had no safe haven in Benue.
“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,” he said.
The reported killing of the MACBAN chairman has attracted attention because of the important role the association plays in representing cattle breeders and promoting dialogue with farming communities and government authorities. Leaders of the association have often participated in peace meetings aimed at reducing tensions between herders and farmers in different parts of the state.
The latest incident is expected to increase calls for improved intelligence gathering, stronger security operations and continued engagement among all stakeholders to prevent further violence.
As investigations begin, residents are hoping that security agencies will quickly identify those behind the killings and ensure justice is served. Many also believe that maintaining calm and allowing lawful investigations to continue will be crucial in preventing any breakdown of law and order.
Despite the setback, the Benue State Government has maintained that it will continue to pursue peace through dialogue, improved security and cooperation with all communities. The administration insists that lasting peace remains essential to restoring farming activities, encouraging economic growth and allowing displaced families to return safely to their communities.