The police have commenced a full-scale investigation into the killing of Benue Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Risku Mohammed, and one Yakubu Isa by unknown assailants.
The State Commissioner of Police (CP), Cletus Nwadiogbu, made the disclosure in a statement by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, issued on Saturday in Makurdi.
Nwadiogbu said the victims were reportedly attacked while returning from a security meeting along the Okwudu-Ogoli Road in Otukpo.
The CP, who condemned the killings, described them as senseless and criminal acts capable of undermining the peace and security efforts being sustained across the state.
He expressed deep concern over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased and all those affected by the tragedy.
Nwadiogbu said tactical and intelligence assets had been deployed to identify, apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident, while tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed to identify, apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The command will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the culprits are arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
The CP urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding and refrain from taking the law into their own hands or spreading unverified information capable of escalating tensions.
He appealed to anyone with credible information that could assist the investigation to promptly report to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
Nwadiogbu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that those responsible for the killings were brought to book.
Gov. Alia condemns killing of Benue MACBAN chairman, orders investigation
Meanwhile, Gov. Hyacinth Alia has condemned the killing of the Benue Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Risku Mohammed, and ordered an investigation into the incident.
Alia, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, described the killing of Mohammed and his friend as shocking and tragic.
The governor said the incident occurred at a time when the state was witnessing a significant return to peace and stability across several local government areas.
He described the attack as a direct attempt to undermine the peace and reconciliation efforts of his administration.
“It is deeply regrettable that this unfortunate incident occurred shortly after a security meeting,” he said.
Alia noted that the killing of any community leader or peace advocate was a setback to the ongoing dialogue among stakeholders aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence in the state.
He directed security agencies to immediately launch a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident to uncover the circumstances surrounding the killings.
The governor also ordered the agencies to ensure that the perpetrators were identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay.
He further directed that security around community leaders involved in peace-building and security engagements be strengthened to prevent similar attacks.
While expressing regret over the incident, Alia appealed to members of MACBAN and the general public to remain calm and law-abiding.
“We must not allow those who profit from chaos to succeed in inciting further violence or disrupting the peace we have taken time to build,” he said.
The governor extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire MACBAN community, assuring them that his administration remained committed to sustaining peace across the state.
“Our administration remains resolute: Benue is a home for peace, and we will not allow the shadows of the past to eclipse the bright future we are currently building,” he said.