Alia mourns alleged killing of Miyetti Allah chairman in Benue, urges calm

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, expressed profound shock and sorrow over the reported killing of Alhaji Ardo Risku, the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and his companion.

Through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor noted that the brutal act occurred at a time when the state is experiencing a notable return to peace and stability across several local government areas.
Gov. Alia described the incident as not only a tragedy for the state but also a direct attempt to undermine the hard‑earned peace and the spirit of reconciliation that his administration has worked diligently to promote.

“It is deeply regrettable that this unfortunate incident occurred shortly after a security meeting,” the statement read.

He stressed that the murder of any community leader or peace advocate undermines the ongoing dialogue among various stakeholders in the state.

The governor issued a clear and firm directive to all relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation immediately to uncover the circumstances surrounding the killing.

He urged that no stone be left unturned in identifying the perpetrators of the heinous act and bringing them to justice swiftly, thereby serving as a deterrent to those who seek to destabilize the state.

While expressing regret over the setback, he called on all members of MACBAN and the general public to remain calm and law‑abiding.

“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 was quoted as saying.

The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of Alhaji Ardo Risku and to the entire MACBAN community.

“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.”