SGF Condemns Killing of MACBAN Chairman, Demands Swift Justice

Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, condemned the killing of Alhaji Risku Mohammed, the Benue chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and his associate.

In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yomi Odunuga, Akume urged the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

He described the incident as a direct assault on the peace, reconciliation, and mutual trust that communities throughout Benue had worked to rebuild.

He expressed concern that the killings happened while the state was experiencing gains in security and peaceful coexistence among its diverse communities.

Akume warned that criminal elements must not be allowed to undermine the gains achieved through dialogue, understanding, and collective sacrifice.

He urged residents to reject attempts to incite hatred, violence, and reprisals, stressing that no individual or group should take the law into its own hands.

He maintained that sustainable development and economic prosperity can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.

The SGF extended condolences to the family of the late MACBAN chairman, the association’s leadership and members, and others affected by the incident.

He directed the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent, and painstaking investigation.

He said no stone should be left unturned in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting all those connected with the crime.

Akume recalled that after the killings in Yelwata, he had demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, noting that the suspects had since been apprehended and were standing trial.

He said security agencies must demonstrate the same determination to ensure justice for the slain MACBAN chairman and his associate.

“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 be seen to be done,” he said.

Akume reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling insecurity nationwide, adding that the government had supplied security and intelligence agencies with support, resources, and strategic direction to combat criminality.

He urged Benue residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid ongoing investigations, and continue supporting efforts to strengthen peace, security, and harmonious coexistence in the state.