Benue State Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has expressed deep shock and sadness over the reported killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his friend, describing the attack as a direct attempt to undermine peace in the state.
In a statement issued Friday, June 27, 2026, by Chief Press Secretary Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr, the governor said the heinous act came at a particularly sensitive time “when the state is witnessing a significant return to peace and stability across various local government areas.”
“The Governor views this incident not only as a tragedy to the state but as a direct attempt to undermine the hard-earned peace and the atmosphere of reconciliation that his administration has worked tirelessly to foster,” the statement said.
Governor Alia regretted the timing of the attack. “It is deeply regrettable that this unfortunate incident occurred shortly after a security meeting,” he said, emphasizing that “the killing of any community leader or peace advocate is a blow to the ongoing dialogue between various stakeholders in the state.”
The governor issued a clear and firm directive to all relevant security agencies to launch a thorough and transparent investigation immediately to uncover the circumstances surrounding the killing. He also ordered them “to leave no stone unturned in fishing out the perpetrators of the heinous act and bring them to justice swiftly to serve as a deterrent to others who seek to destabilize the state,” and directed “enhanced security measures to ensure that community leaders engaging in security and peace-building efforts are protected.”
While regretting the setback, Governor Alia urged all 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.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Alhaji Ardo Risku and the entire MACBAN community, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to peace. “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,” Governor Alia said.