The brutal killing of two young men from Kano State in Makurdi, Benue State, has sparked national outrage and condemnation, with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf describing the act as “barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable.”
The victims, Barhama Suleiman and Jamilu Ahmad—sons of prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil—were reportedly attacked and murdered around 11:00 p.m. on Monday by unidentified assailants. According to official accounts, the duo was targeted without provocation while residing peacefully in the area.
In a statement issued Tuesday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of two promising sons of Kano,” the governor said. “They were innocent, peace-loving citizens whose only crime was exercising their constitutional right to live and work in any part of Nigeria.”
Describing the murder as “an affront to the nation’s unity and peace,” the governor vowed that his administration would pursue justice relentlessly.
“This government will not rest until justice is served. We call for calm and restraint as we work closely with security agencies at all levels and the Benue State Government to bring the murderers to justice,” he stated.
Funeral prayers for the deceased were held Tuesday at the National Mosque in Abuja, with Governor Yusuf leading a delegation from Kano, including bereaved family members.
The killings have drawn widespread sympathy across Nigeria, especially given the victims’ ties to Sheikh Khalil. Governor Yusuf extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving cleric.
“This loss is not just a tragedy to the families involved, but to Kano State and the entire nation,” he noted.
The Kano State Government has urged residents to remain peaceful and avoid retaliatory actions. Governor Yusuf emphasized that every Nigerian has the right to live and prosper in any part of the country without fear of violence.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Every citizen has the right to live, move, and thrive in any part of this country without fear of discrimination or violence,” he said.
He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and rights of Kano indigenes nationwide and pledged continued cooperation with security agencies to uncover the motive behind the attack.
