Sultan demands full investigation into killing of Benue MACBAN chairman

The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called for a thorough investigation into the killing of the association’s Benue State Chairman, Alhaji Ardo Risku, insisting that everyone responsible must be identified and prosecuted.

The monarch made the call while mourning the late MACBAN chairman in a statement signed by the association’s National President, Baba Othman Ngelzarma.

The Sultan expressed deep sorrow over Risku’s death and extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, the leadership and members of MACBAN nationwide, as well as the people and government of Benue State.

He described the late chairman as a respected community leader who devoted his life to promoting peace, dialogue and mutual understanding between pastoralists and farming communities.

According to the statement, Risku was “a courageous advocate of peaceful coexistence who consistently championed reconciliation and constructive engagement in the pursuit of lasting peace in Benue State.”

The Sultan noted that the deceased’s unwavering commitment to dialogue and conflict resolution earned him widespread respect across different communities.

While commending the Benue State Government and security agencies for their swift response, particularly the arrest of suspects linked to the killing, the Sultan stressed that justice must go beyond the arrests.

He urged the relevant authorities to conduct “a comprehensive, transparent and impartial investigation” and ensure that every individual found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The monarch also appealed to residents of Benue State and the general public to remain calm and avoid reprisals while investigations continue.

“He appealed to all residents of Benue State and the wider public to remain calm, shun reprisals, and allow the due process of the law to take its course,” the statement said.

The Sultan warned that no grievance should be allowed to undermine public peace or trigger further violence, stressing that justice can only be sustained through lawful institutions.

Paying tribute to the slain MACBAN chairman, he said:

“The late Alhaji Ardo Risku dedicated his life to building bridges across communities. The most fitting tribute to his memory is for all of us to uphold the values of peace, restraint, dialogue and mutual respect that he lived and worked for.”

The Sultan also prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give his family, friends and associates the strength to bear the loss.

Ardo Risku was killed on June 26, 2026, in an ambush at Okudu village in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State shortly after attending a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area. His associate, Yakubu Isah, was also killed in the attack.

Police have since arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killings.

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