ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Updating your news feed...
NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.
Loading banners
Loading banners...
Governor Alia
By EMMANUEL ANTSWEN
Gov. Hyacinth Alia has condemned the killing of the Benue Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Risku Mohammed, and ordered an investigation into the incident.
Alia, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, described the killing of Mohammed and his friend as shocking and tragic.
The governor said the incident occurred at a time when the state was witnessing a significant return to peace and stability across several local government areas.
He described the attack as a direct attempt to undermine the peace and reconciliation efforts of his administration.
“It is deeply regrettable that this unfortunate incident occurred shortly after a security meeting,” he said.
Alia noted that the killing of any community leader or peace advocate was a setback to the ongoing dialogue among stakeholders aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence in the state.
He directed security agencies to immediately launch a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident to uncover the circumstances surrounding the killings.
The governor also ordered the agencies to ensure that the perpetrators were identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay.
He further directed that security around community leaders involved in peace-building and security engagements be strengthened to prevent similar attacks.
While expressing regret over the incident, Alia appealed to members of MACBAN and the general public to remain calm and law-abiding.
“We must not allow those who profit from chaos to succeed in inciting further violence or disrupting the peace we have taken time to build,” he said.
The governor extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire MACBAN community, assuring them that his administration remained committed to sustaining peace across the state.
“Our administration remains resolute: Benue is a home for peace, and we will not allow the shadows of the past to eclipse the bright future we are currently building,” he said. (NAN)
