Demands Immediate Arrest and Prosecution of Perpetrators

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has strongly condemned the gruesome murder of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his associate.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, Senator Akume expressed profound shock, sadness, and outrage over the incident, describing it as a “reprehensible and unacceptable” act that constitutes a direct assault on the peace, reconciliation, and mutual trust being rebuilt across Benue State.

The SGF noted with concern that the killing occurred at a time when the state has been recording encouraging improvements in security and the gradual restoration of peaceful coexistence among its diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious groups.

“Enemies of peace must not be allowed to reverse the gains already recorded through dialogue, understanding, and collective sacrifice,” the statement said.

Senator Akume, who as former Governor of Benue State consistently advocated for peaceful coexistence, stressed that sustainable development and economic prosperity can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.

He urged all communities in the state to reject attempts by criminal elements to sow seeds of discord and hatred, warning that no individual or group should take the law into their own hands.

The SGF extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Alhaji Ardo Risku, the leadership and members of MACBAN, and all those affected by the tragedy.

He called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to immediately launch a thorough, transparent, and painstaking investigation into the killings, insisting that “no stone must be left unturned” in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting all those involved.

Senator Akume recalled his earlier demand for justice following the horrific killings in Yelwata, where suspects have since been apprehended and are standing trial.

“The same resolve must be demonstrated in this case,” he said. “Those responsible for the murder of the MACBAN Chairman and his associate must likewise be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.”

Quoting the SGF:

“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 be seen to be done.”

The statement reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to tackling insecurity across the country, noting that the President has continued to equip security and intelligence agencies with the necessary support and resources.

Senator Akume urged residents of Benue State to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information, and support ongoing efforts to strengthen peace and harmonious coexistence.

Anambra State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Nigerian Army, Navy, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the State security outfit (Agunechemba), has vowed to eliminate the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.

They made the vowed during this year 2026 commemoration of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held at the Federal Secretariat hall in Awka, on Friday, June 26th, 2026.

The global event, annually observed on June 26 and declared by the United Nations, is aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and promoting collective action towards a drug-free society.

The 2026 edition of the global observance with the theme – “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges and Innovative Responses,” brought together the above mentioned agencies io brainstorm on the ills of the menace.

The NDLEA State Commander, Mr Charles Onubogu, in his welcome address said the campaign focused on combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking through prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, law enforcement and partnership with relevant stakeholders including community leaders.

According to him, this year’s theme, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” is a call for us all to rethink our roles and a reminder that drug abuse is a shared challenge that requires a unified response.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has acknowledged the operational and logistical challenges facing Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators, assuring that the state government is taking steps to improve their capacity and ensure efficient waste evacuation across Lagos.

Speaking during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, the governor said the government understands the difficulties faced by PSP operators, particularly with equipment and operational needs.

He said efforts are underway to strengthen waste management through the procurement of additional compactor trucks, with about 150 new trucks approved and expected to be delivered within the next three months.

Sanwo-Olu added that smaller compactor trucks are also being acquired in collaboration with local governments to access inner streets and narrow roads, while some of the trucks will be assembled locally to boost waste collection.

The governor also urged residents to support waste management efforts by paying their waste bills promptly, noting that PSP operators require payment for services provided to sustain their operations.

He stressed that waste management is a collective responsibility involving government, service providers, businesses and residents.

Sanwo-Olu said the last Saturday of every month remains dedicated to environmental sanitation as part of efforts to promote a cleaner and healthier Lagos.

He added that young people and schoolchildren are being involved in the exercise to help build a culture of cleanliness and encourage environmental responsibility.

The governor further disclosed that the state is developing a modern Material Recovery Facility and recycling plant in partnership with ZoomLion, which is expected to process over 4,250 metric tonnes of waste daily when completed.

Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu issued a final warning to illegal occupants and traders along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

He said a comprehensive clearance operation will begin next week from Alaba through Okokomaiko and other parts of the corridor.

The governor warned that illegal structures, makeshift stalls and encroachments on road medians will be removed as the government moves to restore the highway and enforce environmental laws.