The 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), Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, describing the incident as a direct attack on the peace and reconciliation efforts in the state.

His condemnation came as the Benue State Police Command announced the arrest of 10 suspects in connection with the murder of the MACBAN chairman and his associate, Yakubu Isa.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Akume expressed profound shock, sadness and outrage over the gruesome killings, describing the attack as "reprehensible, unacceptable and a direct assault on the peace, reconciliation and mutual trust that communities across Benue State have worked painstakingly to rebuild."

The SGF noted that the incident occurred at a time when Benue had begun recording significant improvements in security and peaceful coexistence among its diverse ethnic, cultural and religious groups, warning that criminal elements must not be allowed to reverse the gains achieved through dialogue and collective sacrifice.

Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Benue State, Akume said he consistently advocated peaceful coexistence and unity among residents, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.

He urged communities across the state to reject attempts by criminal elements to incite hatred, violence and reprisals, emphasizing that no individual or group should take the law into their own hands.

He called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the killings, insisting that everyone connected with the crime must be identified, arrested and prosecuted.

"The lives of every Nigerian are sacred. Those who believe they can undermine peace through violence and murder must understand that there will be no hiding place for them. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done," the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the arrest of 10 suspects linked to the killings following an intelligence-driven operation by tactical police teams in Otukpo Local Government Area.

The Command described the arrests as a major breakthrough in the investigation, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects believed to have participated in the attack.

The Commissioner of Police commended officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and assured residents that everyone responsible for the killings would be brought to justice.

The police also urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and continue providing credible information to security agencies to support ongoing investigations.