Police Arrest 10 Suspects Over Killing of Benue Miyetti Allah Chairman

Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed

Police Arrest 10 Suspects Over Killing of Benue Miyetti Allah Chairman

The Benue State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and his associate, Yakubu Isa. The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation in Otukpo Local Government Area on the night of June 27, 2026, less than 24 hours after the victims were ambushed and killed.

The Benue State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the killing of the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and his associate, Yakubu Isa. The suspects were apprehended on the night of June 27, 2026, during a coordinated operation by the Command’s tactical teams in Otukpo Local Government Area, following what police described as intensive intelligence gathering and tactical operations. Confirming the arrests in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said the arrests marked significant progress in the investigation into the attack. The suspects arrested were 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.

The MACBAN chairman and Yakubu Isa were reportedly ambushed and killed at Okudu community in Otukpo LGA on Friday by armed men, while returning from a peace meeting called by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Idekpa, Ohimini LGA. The peace meeting had involved community leaders and Fulani herders as part of efforts to ease tensions in the area. Reports indicate that after the meeting, Mohammed and Isa were travelling back when gunmen ambushed their vehicle along the Okwudu-Okpachenyi rural road and opened fire, killing both men on the spot. The incident has raised serious concerns among residents, especially in communities that have experienced repeated security challenges in recent months.

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Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, praised the tactical teams and investigators for their swift response and professionalism. The CP said, “The Command has made significant progress in the ongoing investigation. Ten suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident following intensive intelligence and tactical operations.” He assured the public that investigations were ongoing and that efforts had been intensified to identify and apprehend other persons linked to the crime. According to him, “The Command remains committed to ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law.”

The Benue State Government has appealed to members of MACBAN not to resort to reprisal attacks. The Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Internal Security, Joseph Har, who addressed newsmen in Makurdi on Sunday, condemned the killing and described the deceased as an advocate of peace. Har stated that the incident was “not a Benue or Idoma agenda” but a criminal act, and called on security agents to promptly arrest the perpetrators. 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. They appealed against any reprisal, noting that “any reprisal will be on innocent people.”

The Commissioner also appealed to residents of the state to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid the investigation. Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, the CP stressed that the Benue State Police Command remained resolute in protecting lives and property while sustaining peace and security across the state.