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The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Ardo Risku, insisting that all those involved in the attack must be brought to justice.
The sultan, president of the board of directors of MACBAN, said this in a message of condolence released on Saturday through the national president of the association, Baba Othman Ngelzarma.
He expressed deep sorrow over the death of Risku, describing him as a respected community leader whose lifelong commitment to peace and dialogue helped promote understanding between herders and farming communities in Benue State.
The monarch also expressed his condolences to the bereaved family, members of MACBAN nationwide, the government and people of Benue State.
According to the statement, the late Risku was a strong believer in peaceful coexistence and consistently advocated for reconciliation and constructive engagement as paths to lasting peace in the State.
The Sultan said the deceased earned widespread respect for his unwavering commitment to dialogue and conflict resolution between different communities.
While commending the Benue State government and security agencies for their quick response, especially in the arrest of suspects linked to the killing, the monarch stressed that justice must go beyond the initial arrests.
He urged the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that all those found guilty are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The relevant authorities should conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation and ensure that every person found guilty is brought to justice in accordance with the law,” the Sultan said in the statement.
The Sultan also appealed to residents of Benue State and Nigerians to remain calm and refrain from retaliation while security agencies conclude their investigations.
He warned that no complaint should trigger another cycle of violence, stressing that lasting justice can only be achieved through legal institutions.
Paying tribute to the assassinated MACBAN president, the Sultan said the best way to honor his memory is to uphold the values of peace, moderation, dialogue and mutual respect, which he upheld throughout his life.
He also prayed that Allah would forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Risku was reportedly killed on June 26 in an ambush in Okudu village, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, shortly after attending a peace meeting in Ohinmini.
His associate, Yakubu Isah, was also killed in the attack.
Police authorities have since arrested 10 suspects in connection with the murders as investigations continue.
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