Police Arrest Seven More Suspects, Including Four Chiefs, Over Killing of Benue MACBAN Chairman

The Benue State Police Command has arrested seven additional suspects, including an 80-year-old man and four traditional chiefs, in connection with the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed.

The command said the latest arrests followed sustained intelligence gathering, painstaking investigation and coordinated tactical operations aimed at bringing all those involved in the killing to justice.

The suspects include Sylvester Ajonye, 80; Chief Morgan Ejaga, 43; Chief Moses Anteyi, 45; Chief John Ogli, 58; Chief Yawuhu Adaji, 49; Aba Alexander Uloko, 59; and Fidelis Iduma, 45.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Udeme Edet.

According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended during intelligence-led operations conducted by operatives of the Benue State Police Command as investigations into the murder continued.

“The Benue State Police Command has arrested an additional seven suspects in connection with the killing of the State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and Yakubu Isah.

“Following sustained intelligence gathering, painstaking investigation and continuous tactical operations, an additional seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the case,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the investigating and tactical teams for their professionalism and dedication, noting that their efforts had continued to yield significant breakthroughs.

He assured residents that investigations were ongoing and pledged that everyone found to have played either a direct or indirect role in the killings would be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The police also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could aid ongoing investigations.

Nwadiogbu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims while maintaining peace, security and public order across Benue State.

Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed and his associate, Yakubu Isah, were killed on June 26, 2026, around Okukwu in Otukpo Local Government Area while returning from a peace meeting held in Ohinmini Local Government Area of the state. The incident sparked widespread condemnation and prompted an intensive police investigation.