Benue Deputy Gov visits slain MACBAN leader’s family, calls for calm

The Benue State Government, alongside the Nigeria Police Force, has extended condolences to the family of the late Fulani leader, Risku Muhammad, in Ohimini Local Government Area, while calling for restraint as authorities intensify investigations into his death.

The condolence visit was carried out on Tuesday by the Deputy Governor of Benue State on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The delegation comprised the Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing Zone 4, Makurdi, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto, officials of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), other security operatives, and members of the deceased’s family who travelled from different parts of the country.

During the visit, government officials and security representatives expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and urged them, as well as members of the Fulani community, to avoid taking the law into their own hands or engaging in any form of retaliation.

They encouraged the family to allow law enforcement agencies to conduct a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into the killing.

The delegation also assured the family that both the state government and security agencies were determined to identify those behind the crime and ensure they face the full weight of the law.

Police authorities disclosed that the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is actively handling the case, noting that detectives are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Benue State Government reaffirmed its commitment to preserving peace and security across the state and appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist the ongoing investigation.