Akume Recalls Yelwata Massacre as He Warns Against Reprisals over Miyetti Allah Leader’s Killing

Malik Yahya/

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on Sunday recalled the Yelwata massacre while condemning the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his son, urging security agencies to demonstrate the same resolve in bringing those responsible to justice.

Akume also warned against reprisals, appealing to communities across Benue State not to take the law into their own hands following the latest killings.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the SGF described the killing of the Miyetti Allah leader and his son as “reprehensible, unacceptable and a direct assault on the peace, reconciliation and mutual trust” that communities across the state had worked painstakingly to rebuild.

He said the attack occurred at a time when Benue had continued to witness improvements in security and a gradual restoration of peaceful coexistence among its diverse ethnic, cultural and religious communities.

“The incident occurred at a time when the state has continued to witness encouraging improvements in security and the gradual restoration of peaceful coexistence among its diverse ethnic, cultural and religious communities.

“Enemies of peace must not be allowed to reverse the gains already recorded through dialogue, understanding and collective sacrifice.”

Significantly, Akume recalled his earlier demand for justice after the Yelwata massacre, noting that suspects arrested in connection with the attack are currently standing trial.

“He recalls that following the horrific killings in Yelwata, he unequivocally demanded that those behind the atrocity be tracked down and brought to justice. Today, those suspects have been apprehended and are currently standing trial.

“The SGF insists that the same resolve must be demonstrated in this case, stressing that 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.”

The SGF also urged residents to resist any attempt to retaliate over the killings.

“He therefore urges all communities in Benue State to reject every attempt by criminal elements to sow seeds of discord, hatred and reprisals, stressing that no individual or group should take the law into their hands.”

Akume said lasting peace remained essential for investment, agricultural growth, job creation and economic prosperity in the state.

He directed the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to carry out what he described as a thorough, transparent and painstaking investigation into the killings.

“No stone must be left unturned in identifying, arresting and prosecuting everyone connected with the heinous crime.

“The lives of every Nigerian are sacred. Those who believe they can undermine peace through violence and murder must understand that there will be no hiding place for them. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.”

The SGF also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling insecurity across the country, saying the President had continued to provide security and intelligence agencies with the support, resources and strategic direction required to combat criminality nationwide.

He further appealed to residents of Benue State to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to assist ongoing investigations.

The killing of the Benue MACBAN chairman comes amid recurring violence involving farming and herding communities despite intensified security operations and repeated efforts to restore peace in the state.

The latest attack also follows the Yelwata massacre, one of the deadliest recent attacks in Benue State, which sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for justice.

Authorities subsequently announced the arrest of suspects, who are currently standing trial.

Akume’s statement referenced both the Yelwata massacre and the killing of the Miyetti Allah leader, calling for those responsible in each case to be brought to justice while urging communities to avoid reprisals and allow security agencies to carry out their investigations.

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