Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has condemned the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Mohammed, and his associate, describing the attack as a calculated attempt to undermine the fragile peace returning to the state.
   
Urging residents to resist attempts by criminal elements to incite ethnic tensions or reprisals, the SGF, in a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, warned that “the enemies of peace must not be allowed to reverse the progress already achieved through dialogue, understanding and collective sacrifice.”
   
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command said it has arrested 10 suspects in connection with Mohammed’s killing following what it described as intensive intelligence gathering and tactical operations.
   
In a statement yesterday by the spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, the command disclosed that “the suspects were arrested on the night of June 27, 2026, during a coordinated operation by tactical teams in the Otukpo area of the state.”
   
The command listed the arrested suspects as Titus Thyodenda, 25; Utibe Sam, 20; Owoicho Ameh, 18; Sunday Useni, 21; Sunday Ogbanje, 46; Daniel Raphael, 23; Adokole John, 24; Samuel Ogazi, 32; Agbo Daniel, 25; and Onazi James, 30.
   
Akume, who described the killings as “gruesome, reprehensible and unacceptable,” insisted that the perpetrators must not escape justice, and that criminal elements must not be allowed to reverse the gains made in restoring peace and rebuilding trust among Benue communities.
   
According to him, the incident comes at a time the state has begun witnessing improved security and renewed efforts at fostering peaceful coexistence among its diverse ethnic, cultural and religious groups.
   
A former governor of the state, Akume, reiterated his advocacy for peaceful coexistence, stressing that sustainable development, economic growth and agricultural productivity can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and mutual respect.
   
“The life of every Nigerian is sacred. Those who believe they can undermine peace through violence and murder must understand that there will be no hiding place for them,” he stated.
   
The SGF further directed the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to thoroughly, transparently and painstakingly investigate the killings, insisting that every individual connected to the crime must be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
   
He extended condolences to the family of the late Mohammed, the leadership and members of MACBAN, and all those affected by the tragedy, while urging Benue residents to remain calm and provide security agencies with credible information to aid investigations.
   
Mohammed and his friend, Yakubu Isah, were reportedly killed at Okudu Village on Friday in Otukpo Local Council Area shortly after a peace meeting in neighbouring Ohinmini Local Council Area of the state.
   
It was gathered that the MACBAN chairman had attended a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini council, alongside community leaders and Fulani herders, and was travelling back with his companions when gunmen ambushed their vehicle and shot them dead.