By Ayo Kehinde
The Benue Police Command has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State Chapter, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and one Yakubu Isa.
The arrests followed what the Command described as intensive intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical operations carried out in Otukpo on the night of June 27, 2026, less than 24 hours after the two men were ambushed and killed while returning from a peace meeting
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the Command said the arrests marked a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the killings, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects linked to the attack.
The suspects were 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.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, commended the Command’s tactical teams and investigators for their swift response and professionalism, describing the arrests as a major step toward ensuring justice for the victims.
He, however, stressed that investigations remained ongoing, noting that security operatives were working to identify and arrest other individuals who may have participated in the deadly attack.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring that everyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law”, the commissioner said.
CP Nwadiogbu appealed to residents of the state to remain calm and continue to support security agencies with credible information that could assist investigators in concluding the case.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property while sustaining peace and security across Benue State.
The police had earlier condemned the killing of Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed and Yakubu Isa, describing the attack as unfortunate and assuring the public that all those responsible would be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
Mohammed, the Benue State Chairman of MACBAN, and Isa were killed on Friday after attending a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini Local Government Area. The meeting, which involved leaders of the Ayunne community and Fulani herders, was to address security concerns and promote peaceful coexistence following recent violence in the area.
The victims were reportedly ambushed by gunmen at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area while returning from the meeting, an incident that heightened tension across Otukpo and neighbouring Ohinmini communities.
