01/07/2026
BENUE STATE COMMISSION FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION.
CONDOLENCE VISIT TO THE FAMILY OF LATE ARDO RISKU MOHAMMED, BENUE STATE CHAIRMAN OF THE MIYETTI ALLAH CATTLE BREEDERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (MACBAN) IN OHIMINI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE.
The Director-General of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, Ms Josephine Haaba, accompanied by staff of the Commission, joined the Deputy Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Barr. Sam Ode, PhD, mni, and other government officials on a condolence visit to the family of the late Ardo Risku Mohammed, Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
Opening Prayer.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Chief Benjamin Omale, offered the opening prayer and delivered the opening remarks. He stated that the delegation had come to commiserate with the family of the late Ardo and prayed that such a tragic incident should not occur again. He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased's soul and for God to grant the family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Remarks by the Ardo Family.
On behalf of the family, the head of the family expressed appreciation to the Benue State Government, led by the Deputy Governor, for the condolence visit. He described the late Ardo Risku Mohammed as not only a Fulani leader but also a committed advocate of peace. He appealed to the Fulani community across the state to remain calm, refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and allow the security agencies to investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.
Remarks by the Assistant Inspector General of Police
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 4 Headquarters, Makurdi, AIG Dankwambo Morris, stated that he was in the community on the directive of the Inspector General of Police to assess the security situation and sympathize with the family of the deceased. He conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the Inspector General of Police and assured the family that the Nigeria Police Force would ensure that those responsible for the crime are apprehended and prosecuted. He urged members of the community to remain peaceful, warning that any act of retaliation could further aggravate the already fragile security situation.
Vote of Thanks by the Secretary of MACBAN.
Speaking on behalf of the Sultan of Sokoto and the National President of MACBAN, the Secretary of the Association conveyed condolences to the family and the entire community. He described the late Ardo as a peace-loving leader and appealed to the Benue State Government to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. He reiterated that MACBAN's commitment is to promoting peace, not only in Benue State but throughout Nigeria. He also acknowledged the presence of MACBAN delegations from Nasarawa, Plateau, Enugu, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Kogi States.
Address by the Deputy Governor of Benue State
The Deputy Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Barr. Sam Ode, PhD, mni, stated that he was representing the Governor, the Government, and the people of Benue State in conveying their heartfelt condolences over the gruesome murder of the late MACBAN Chairman. He lamented the growing disregard for the sanctity of human life, stressing that no individual has the right to unlawfully take another person's life.
He also conveyed the condolences of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Governor of Benue State to the bereaved family and the leadership of MACBAN. The Deputy Governor assured them that the death of Ardo Risku Mohammed would not go unpunished, noting that security agencies had already made arrests and that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He appealed to MACBAN members across Nigeria to remain patient and avoid any form of reprisal attacks against innocent persons. He commended the Association and all stakeholders for maintaining peace during this difficult period and expressed hope that such a tragic incident would never occur again.
As a gesture of sympathy and support, the Benue State Government presented gifts to the bereaved family.
Mnena Asor,
Information Officer
Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation.
