Benue governor condemns killing of MACBAN chairman, orders investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has condemned the killing of the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Risku Mohammed, and directed security agencies to investigate the incident.
Alia, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, described the killing of Mohammed and his friend as shocking and tragic.
The governor said the incident occurred at a time when the state was witnessing significant improvements in peace and stability across several local government areas.
He described the attack as a deliberate attempt to undermine the peace and reconciliation efforts of his administration.
“It is deeply regrettable that this unfortunate incident occurred shortly after a security meeting,” Alia said.
The governor noted that the killing of a community leader and peace advocate was a setback to ongoing dialogue among stakeholders aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence in the state.
He directed security agencies to immediately commence a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killings.
Alia also ordered the agencies to ensure that those responsible were identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay.
He further directed that security around community leaders involved in peace-building and security engagements be strengthened to prevent similar incidents.
The governor appealed to members of MACBAN and the general public to remain calm and law-abiding, urging them not to allow the incident to derail the state’s peace efforts.
“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,” he said.
Alia extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire MACBAN community, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace across the state.
“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,” the governor said.
