The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume on Sunday expressed “profound shock, sadness and outrage” after the killing of Alhaji Ardo Risku, chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, and an associate, calling for an immediate and thorough investigation.
SGF Akume in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Yomi Odunuga described the attack as “reprehensible” and said it threatened progress made toward peace and reconciliation in a state that has seen “encouraging improvements in security” in recent months.
He urged security agencies to “leave no stone unturned” in identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible.
The SGF also described the killing as an assault on the fragile gains achieved through community dialogue and collective sacrifice. “The lives of every Nigerian are sacred,” he said.
“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.”
Akume, who is former Governor of Benue, reiterated his long-standing call for peaceful coexistence across ethnic, cultural and religious lines, linking stability to economic opportunity.
He said lasting peace is essential to attract investment, expand agriculture and create jobs.
The SGF extended condolences to the family of Mr. Risku and to MACBAN, and asked residents to cooperate with the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies by providing credible information to aid investigations.
He noted that suspects in a previous mass killing in Yelwata had been arrested and were now on trial, and said the same determination must be applied in the latest case.
The statement also reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to confronting insecurity nationwide, saying the administration continues to provide security and intelligence agencies with resources and strategic direction.
