Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Benue State Police Command has arrested seven additional suspects, including an 80-year-old man and four traditional chiefs, in connection with the gruesome murder of the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and his associate, Yakubu Isa. The fresh arrests, announced on Saturday, 11 July 2026, bring the total number of suspects in custody to 17, following the earlier apprehension of 10 persons.
According to a statement issued by the command's spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, the latest arrests were made during intelligence-led operations as part of ongoing efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing of the MACBAN chairman and Yakubu Isa. Those arrested 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.
Edet explained that the arrests were made following sustained intelligence gathering, painstaking investigation, and continuous tactical operations by operatives of the command. The victims were killed on 26 June 2026, when they were ambushed by armed men around Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area while returning from a peace meeting held in neighbouring Ohimini Local Government Area. The meeting had been convened by the Divisional Police Officer in Ohimini.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the investigating and tactical teams for their professionalism and dedication, noting that their sustained efforts had continued to yield positive results. He assured residents that the investigation was still ongoing and that every person found to have participated directly or indirectly in the killings would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police commissioner also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and continue to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to aid the investigation, while reaffirming the command's commitment to securing justice for the victims and maintaining peace, law, and order across Benue State. The arrest of an 80-year-old suspect and traditional chiefs has drawn attention to the complex nature of the case, which has heightened tensions in the state following the killing of the Fulani leader.
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