MACBAN Demands Justice as Benue Chairman Ardo Risku Is Killed After Attending Security Meeting

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the killing of its Benue State Chairman, Alhaji Ardo Risku, calling for an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and the prosecution of those responsible.

In a statement signed by the National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, the association described the killing as “dastardly” and expressed deep shock over the incident.

According to the statement, Alhaji Risku had attended a security meeting convened by the Ohimini Local Government authorities to discuss issues affecting peace and security in the area.

MACBAN said reports available to the association indicated that less than an hour after the meeting, Risku and a companion were allegedly attacked by gunmen at Okudu village and shot multiple times.

The association said the circumstances surrounding the killing had raised serious concerns, noting that a community leader who had participated in a peace and security meeting became a victim of violence shortly afterward.

It also drew attention to what it described as a previous attack on one of the deceased’s children, a lawyer, who was allegedly assaulted in a village last week, insisting that both incidents require a thorough and transparent investigation.

MACBAN urged security agencies to immediately investigate the murder, identify and apprehend those responsible, and ensure they are brought to justice.

“The killing of community leaders and peace advocates threatens efforts toward reconciliation, dialogue and peaceful coexistence among communities. Those who seek to destabilise society through violence must not be allowed to succeed,” the statement said.

The association extended its condolences to the family of the late Alhaji Ardo Risku, the leadership and members of MACBAN in Benue State, and others affected by the incident.

It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, lawful engagement and collaboration with government and security agencies in addressing security challenges across the country.