The Benue state government on Sunday condemned the killing of the chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue chapter, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, describing the incident as a criminal act capable of disrupting the relative peace enjoyed across the state.
Addressing journalists in Makurdi alongside the chairmen of the nine local government areas in Benue South senatorial district, the Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs, Dr Joseph Har, said the murder was unacceptable, particularly as the deceased had been a strong advocate of peace.
Also speaking, Marvin Ejeh deputy chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), stressed that the killing was neither an Idoma nor a Benue agenda but the handiwork of criminals, and extended condolences to the bereaved families and the MACBAN community.
Ejeh appealed to residents with useful information to assist security agencies with investigations and urged the relatives and supporters of the deceased not to resort to reprisals.
He said Governor Hyacinth Alia had directed security agencies to work tirelessly to identify, arrest and prosecute all those responsible for the crime.
Meanwhile, the Benue state Police Command has announced that 10 suspects had been arrested during a coordinated intelligence-led operation in Otukpo on the night of 27 June in connection with the killings.
Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, commended the tactical teams for their swift response and assured the public that efforts were continuing to apprehend other suspects linked to the attack.
The police appealed for calm and continued cooperation from residents, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring that everyone found culpable is brought to justice.