Sultan Demands Probe, Justice Over Killing Of Miyetti Allah Chairman In Benue
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, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the killing of the association's Benue State Chairman, Alhaji Ardo Risku, insisting that all those responsible must be identified and punished in accordance with the law.
The monarch made the demand while mourning the slain MACBAN chairman in a statement signed by the association's National President, Baba Othman Ngelzarma.
The Sultan expressed profound grief 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 dedicated 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 added that the deceased's unwavering commitment to dialogue and conflict resolution earned him 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 not stop at the arrests.
He urged the relevant authorities "to conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and impartial investigation and ensure that every person found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law."
The Sultan also appealed to residents of Benue State and the general public to remain peaceful and avoid retaliatory actions 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 monarch warned that "no grievance should be allowed to undermine public peace or ignite further violence," emphasizing that "justice can only be sustained when pursued through lawful institutions."
Paying tribute to the slain MACBAN chairman, the Sultan 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."
He also prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased's shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, friends, and associates the strength and patience to bear the loss.
Risku was killed on June 26, 2026, in an ambush at Okudu village, Otukpo LGA, shortly after attending a peace meeting in Ohinmini. His associate, Yakubu Isah, was also killed. Police have since arrested 10 suspects linked to the attack.