Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Benue State Police Command has arrested ten suspects in connection with the brutal killing of Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and his associate, Yakubu Isa. The arrests, announced on Sunday, June 28, 2026, mark a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the ambush and murder of the two men, which occurred on Friday, June 26, 2026, as they returned from a peace and security meeting convened by the police in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The coordinated operation that led to the arrests was carried out by police tactical teams in Otukpo Local Government Area on the night of Saturday, June 27, 2026. The suspects, identified as 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), are currently in police custody. The police have not yet disclosed the specific roles of each suspect but have confirmed that the arrests are a direct result of intensive intelligence gathering and tactical operations.
The tragedy unfolded after a peace meeting organised by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Idekpa in Ohimini LGA, which was aimed at fostering harmony and addressing security concerns in the area. Following the meeting, Ardo Risku Mohammed and his associate, Yakubu Isa, were ambushed by gunmen near Okudu community in Otukpo LGA. The assailants opened fire on their vehicle, killing them instantly.
The eldest son of the deceased, Idris Muhammad, confirmed the tragic incident, stating that the family had recovered the bodies and buried them in Oyangede. The killings have sent shockwaves through the state, particularly in Idoma land, where fears of reprisal attacks have heightened tensions.
Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, praised the tactical teams and investigators for their swift response and professionalism, describing the arrests as a major step towards ensuring justice. He assured residents that investigations remain ongoing and that efforts have been intensified to identify and apprehend other persons linked to the killings. “The Command remains committed to ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law,” CP Nwadiogbu stated. He also appealed to residents to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information.
The Benue State Government, through its Special Adviser on Internal Security, Joseph Har, has appealed to members of MACBAN and the general public not to resort to reprisal attacks. Har, who spoke after a security meeting with the nine local government chairmen from Zone C, condemned the killing and described the deceased as an advocate of peace. He stated that the incident was not a Benue or Idoma agenda but a criminal act. “We want to ask that, as painful as this may be, we do not pay back evil for evil. We appeal to the family and followers of Ardo Risku not to take the law into their hands,” Har said.
The Chairmen of Ohimini and Otukpo LGAs, Gabriel Adole and Maxwell Ogiri, also condemned the killings, describing them as a tragic development and a setback to peace efforts. They assured the public that security agencies had taken charge of the situation.
The murder of the MACBAN chairman has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in Benue State, where farmer-herder conflicts and communal violence have claimed many lives. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property while sustaining peace and security across the state.
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