Officials of the Benue State government have condemned the killing of the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku Mohammed, and described the sad incident as a criminal act.

The special adviser to the governor on internal security, Joseph Har, who briefed journalists alongside some local government chairmen from Zone C on Sunday in Makurdi, assured the people that the perpetrators of the heinous crime would be brought to justice.

Mr Har urged the people, especially members of MACBAN, not to resort to reprisals in response to the unfortunate incident.

The special adviser described the killing as unacceptable, noting that it occurred at a time the state had enjoyed about six months of relative peace.

“We condemn this killing in the strongest terms, just as we condemn every unnecessary loss of life. It is unacceptable, especially now that Benue has been enjoying relative calm.

“The late MACBAN chairman had been a strong advocate of peace and was returning from a peace meeting when he was attacked.

“If he had anticipated such an attack, he would not have travelled so freely on a motorcycle. This is a criminal act, and we dissociate ourselves completely from it,” Mr Har said.

The security adviser stressed that the incident was neither an Idoma agenda nor a Benue agenda, but the handiwork of criminals determined to undermine the peace in the state.

He extended condolences to the family of the deceased and the Fulani community, while directing security agencies to work around the clock to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible.

Mr Har also appealed to anyone with useful information to assist security agencies with investigations.

He cautioned against any form of retaliation, urging the deceased’s family and supporters to allow security agencies to carry out their investigations.

“We should not pay evil for evil. Let nobody take the law into their hands. Any reprisal attack will also be criminal and unacceptable,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area and Deputy Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Benue, Melvin Ejeh, described the killing as a painful loss.

Mr Ejeh said the late Mr Mohammed had contributed significantly to peace and development, adding that his murder was the work of enemies of peace.

He rejected suggestions that the killing was orchestrated by the Idoma people or any community in Benue South.

“This was carried out by criminals. It is not the action of the Idoma people, Ogbadibo, Otukpo, Ohimini or any community in Benue South,” he said.

He urged security agencies to go beyond promises by ensuring that the perpetrators were arrested, prosecuted and publicly presented.

Mr Ejeh also appealed to the Fulani community not to embark on reprisals, warning that innocent persons would become victims if revenge attacks occurred.

Similarly, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Prince Maxwell Ogiri, condemned the killing, describing it as painful, as the deceased had been actively involved in efforts to deepen peace in the area.

Mr Ogiri commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his swift condemnation of the incident and for directing security agencies to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

He said the late MACBAN chairman had consistently worked with local stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence between communities.

Mr Ogiri urged residents to remain law-abiding and allow security agencies to complete their investigations.

“We believe those who carried out this act are enemies of peace. Nobody should take the law into their hands.

“We are confident the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” he said.

(NAN)