Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has condemned the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and his associate, describing the attack as a threat to the peacebuilding efforts in the state.
The condemnation comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies to restore lasting peace in Benue State, which has witnessed recurring communal violence and attacks in recent years.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Akume described the killings as a gruesome and reprehensible act that directly undermines the peace, reconciliation and mutual trust that communities across Benue State have worked hard to rebuild.
He noted that the incident occurred at a time when security had shown encouraging improvement, with communities gradually restoring peaceful coexistence despite previous tensions.
Akume warned against allowing criminal elements determined to destabilise the state to reverse the gains achieved through dialogue, understanding and collective sacrifice.
The former Benue State governor urged residents to continue embracing peaceful coexistence regardless of ethnic, cultural or religious differences, stressing that sustainable development and economic prosperity can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and mutual respect.
He also appealed to communities across the state to resist attempts by criminal elements to incite hatred, reprisals and division.
According to him, no individual or group should take the law into their own hands, adding that lasting peace remains essential for attracting investment, expanding agricultural activities, creating jobs and guaranteeing a better future for citizens.
Akume commiserated with the family of the late MACBAN chairman, the leadership and members of the association, as well as others affected by the tragic incident.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the killings.
The SGF insisted that those responsible for the attack must be identified, arrested and prosecuted, noting that the same commitment shown in the investigation of the Yelwata killings should be applied to the murder of the 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,” Akume said.
He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing insecurity across the country and commended the President for providing security and intelligence agencies with the necessary support, resources and strategic direction to tackle criminality effectively.
Meanwhile, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) also condemned the killing, describing it as a major setback to ongoing peacebuilding efforts in Benue State.
In a statement issued by its Director-General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, the institute described the late Ardo Risku Mohammed as a respected advocate of reconciliation and peaceful coexistence among the state’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.
The IPCR said his death represented not only a personal tragedy but also a significant blow to efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and reducing communal tensions in the state.
The institute noted that the deceased had earned widespread respect for his commitment to bridge-building at a time Benue continued to grapple with insecurity and communal conflicts.
In a related development, the Benue State Police Command announced the arrest of 10 suspects in connection with the killing of Ardo Risku Mohammed and his associate, Yakubu Isah.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet.
He said the arrests followed intensive intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical operations carried out by police operatives in Otukpo on the night of June 27, 2026.
The suspects are Titus Tyodenda, 25; Utibe Sam, 20; Owoicho Ameh, 18; Sunday Useni, 21; Sunday Ogbanje, 46; Daniel Raphael, 23; Adokole John, 24; Samuel Ogazi, 32; Agbo Daniel, 25; and Onazi James, 30.
Nwadiogbu commended the tactical teams and investigators for their swift response and professionalism, assuring that investigations were ongoing and that efforts had been intensified to apprehend other individuals connected with the killings.
