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, and his associate, insisting that those responsible must be identified and prosecuted.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Akume described the attack as “reprehensible, unacceptable and a direct assault on the peace, reconciliation and mutual trust” that communities in Benue State have worked to rebuild.

He expressed concern that the incident occurred at a time when the state was witnessing improvements in security and peaceful coexistence, warning that enemies of peace must not be allowed to reverse the gains achieved through dialogue and reconciliation.

Akume recalled that during his tenure as governor of Benue State, he consistently advocated peaceful coexistence among residents regardless of ethnic, cultural or religious differences, stressing that sustainable development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.

He urged residents to reject attempts by criminal elements to incite violence or reprisals, emphasising that no individual or group should take the law into their own hands.

The SGF also extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the leadership and members of MACBAN, and others affected by the killings.

He called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that all those linked to the killings are arrested and prosecuted.

Referring to the recent killings in Yelwata, Akume noted that suspects in that case had been apprehended and were already standing trial.

“The same resolve must be demonstrated in this case. Those responsible for the murder of the MACBAN chairman and his associate must likewise be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

Akume also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling insecurity nationwide, saying the Federal Government would continue to provide security agencies with the support and resources needed to combat criminality.

He urged residents of Benue State to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information, and support ongoing efforts to promote peace and security across the state.