The Benue State Police Command has arrested ten suspects in connection with the brutal killing of the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and his associate, Yakubu Isa. The suspects were apprehended on the night of June 27, 2026, during a coordinated intelligence-led operation by police tactical teams in Otukpo Local Government Area, just hours after the victims were ambushed and killed .
The slain MACBAN chairman and his companion were returning from a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer in Idekpa, Ohimini Local Government Area, when gunmen ambushed their vehicle along the Okwudu-Okpachenyi rural road and opened fire, killing both men on the spot . The meeting had involved community leaders and Fulani herders as part of efforts to ease tensions in the area .
Confirming the arrests in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, identified the suspects as 25-year-old Titus Thyodenda, 20-year-old Utibe Sam, 18-year-old Owoicho Ameh, 21-year-old Sunday Useni, 46-year-old Sunday Ogbanje, 23-year-old Daniel Raphael, 24-year-old Adokole John, 32-year-old Samuel Ogazi, 25-year-old Agbo Daniel, and 30-year-old Onazi James . Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the tactical teams and investigators for their swift response and professionalism, describing the arrests as a significant breakthrough in the investigation . CP Nwadiogbu assured the public that efforts have been intensified to identify and apprehend other persons linked to the crime .
The state government has appealed to members of MACBAN not to resort to reprisal attacks, with the Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Internal Security, Joseph Har, condemning the killing and describing the deceased as an advocate of peace . Chairmen from the Benue South senatorial district also condemned the murder, absolving the Idoma people of responsibility and describing it as the work of bandits, appealing against any reprisal that would affect innocent people . The police command reiterated its commitment to bringing all those found culpable to justice and appealed to residents to remain calm and continue cooperating with security agencies .
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