Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue State, has expressed shock and sadness over the killing of the state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his friend.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor described the incident as tragic and unfortunate, especially at a time when the state has been experiencing a gradual return to peace and stability across several local government areas.
Governor Alia said the killing was not only a loss to the state but also an attempt to disrupt the peace and reconciliation efforts his administration has been working to build.
He noted that the incident was particularly troubling as it occurred shortly after a security meeting, stressing that the death of any community leader or peace advocate is a major setback to ongoing dialogue among stakeholders in the state.
The governor directed security agencies to immediately launch a full and transparent investigation into the matter, urging them to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
He also called on members of MACBAN and the general public to remain calm and law-abiding, warning against actions that could escalate tensions or undermine the peace process.
Governor Alia extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire MACBAN community, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace in Benue State.
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Backstory:
The killing of the Benue State chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Ardo Risku, comes at a delicate time in Benue, a state that has long grappled with violent clashes between farmers and herders.
For years, Benue has been one of the epicentres of the conflict, with repeated attacks, reprisals, and displacement of communities, often linked to disputes over land, grazing routes, and insecurity. In recent months, the administration of Hyacinth Alia has intensified efforts toward peacebuilding, dialogue, and security coordination aimed at restoring calm across affected local government areas.
The death of Risku, a key leader representing cattle breeders in the state, is being viewed as a major setback to those peace efforts, raising fears of renewed tensions if not carefully managed. Authorities have since called for calm while investigations continue.
