Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has officially denounced the murder of Alhaji Risku Mohammed, who led the Benue chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), along with his colleague. A statement released on Sunday by Yomi Odunuga, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, urged authorities to promptly apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators.
Akume characterized the tragedy as a threat to the harmony and reconciliation efforts that Benue communities have cultivated. He noted that these killings are particularly concerning as the state had been experiencing improved stability. The SGF cautioned against letting lawless individuals jeopardize the progress made through collective cooperation.
He appealed to the local population to avoid retaliatory violence and vigilantism, emphasizing that prosperity requires a stable environment. After offering his sympathies to the families and the association, Akume tasked the police and the Department of State Services with conducting a rigorous investigation. He noted that the government remains fully committed to upholding President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to secure the nation. Finally, he encouraged residents to assist law enforcement by sharing relevant information to ensure those responsible face the full weight of the law.
