Benue Police Nab 10 Suspects Over Murder of MACBAN Chairman, Associate

The Benue State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing of the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku Mohammed, and his associate, Yakubu Isa.

The arrests followed a coordinated tactical operation carried out in the early hours of Saturday, June 27, in Otukpo Local Government Area after security operatives acted on credible intelligence.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, who confirmed the development in a statement, described the arrests as a major breakthrough in the investigation into the double murder.

The suspects are Titus Thyodenda (25), Utibe Sam (20), Owoicho Ameh (18), Sunday Useni (21), Sunday Ogbanje (46), Daniel Raphael (23), Adokole John (24), Samuel Ogazi (32), Agbo Daniel (25), and Onazi James (30).

Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, praised their swift response and professionalism, assuring residents that all those found culpable would face prosecution.

He disclosed that investigations are ongoing and hinted that more arrests could be made as detectives intensify efforts to apprehend other suspects linked to the attack.

Mohammed and Isa were killed on Friday after gunmen ambushed them in the Okudu community while they were returning from a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer in Idekpa.

The incident sparked renewed concerns over security in parts of Benue State, where communal clashes and attacks have continued to pose serious challenges.

The police commissioner appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist the ongoing investigation.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and ensuring that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.