No hiding place for killers of MACBAN chairman – Akume warns

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, has condemned the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his associate, describing the attack as disturbing and unacceptable.

Akume’s position was conveyed in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, and made available to journalists in Makurdi.

Reacting to the incident, the SGF said the murder was “reprehensible, unacceptable and a direct assault on the peace, reconciliation and mutual trust that communities across Benue State have worked painstakingly to rebuild.”

He expressed concern that the killings occurred at a period when Benue had begun recording significant progress in security and peaceful coexistence among its various ethnic, cultural and religious groups.

According to Akume, those bent on destabilising the state should not be allowed to destroy the gains achieved through dialogue, understanding and collective efforts.

Reflecting on his time as governor of Benue State, Akume recalled that he consistently advocated “peaceful coexistence and unity among all residents, irrespective of ethnic, cultural or religious differences,” stressing that peace, tolerance and mutual respect remain essential for sustainable development and economic growth.

The SGF appealed to residents across the state to resist any attempt by criminal elements to incite violence, hatred or reprisals, warning that no one should resort to self-help or take the law into their own hands.

He maintained that enduring peace is crucial to attracting investment, boosting agriculture, creating employment opportunities and improving the welfare of the people.

Akume also extended his condolences to the family of the late Alhaji Ardo Risku, the leadership and members of MACBAN, as well as everyone affected by the tragedy.

He urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to launch a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the killings, insisting that everyone involved must be identified, arrested and prosecuted.

The former Benue governor recalled his response to the Yelwata killings, noting that he had demanded justice for the victims.

“Today, those suspects have been apprehended and are currently standing trial.

The SGF insists that the same resolve must be demonstrated in this case, stressing that those responsible for the murder of the MACBAN chairman and his associate must likewise be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.

“The lives of every Nigerian are sacred. Those who believe they can undermine peace through violence and murder must understand that there will be no hiding place for them. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done,” the statement read.

Akume further reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing insecurity across the country, saying the President has continued to provide security and intelligence agencies with the support, resources and strategic direction required to combat criminality and safeguard lives and property nationwide.

He also called on the people of Benue State to remain peaceful, support security agencies with useful information and continue working together to promote lasting peace, security and harmonious coexistence across the state.