Police Arrest 10 Suspects in Benue MACBAN Chairman's Murder

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has detained ten suspects linked to the murder of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Risku Mohammed, and a person named Yakubu Isa.

The arrests took place on the night of 27 June 2026 during a coordinated operation by the Command’s tactical teams in Otukpo Local Government Area, following extensive intelligence gathering and tactical operations.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said the arrests represented a significant step forward in the investigation of the attack.

The statement listed the arrested suspects as 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.

Commissioner of Police for Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, praised the tactical teams and investigators for their swift response.

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 continuing 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 Commissioner also urged residents of the state to remain calm and to 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 remains resolute in protecting lives and property while sustaining peace and security across the state.

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 in Idekpa, Ohimini LGA.