Benue State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects over the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and his associate, Yakubu Isa.
The Command said the arrests were made following intensive intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical operations launched after the two victims were ambushed and murdered while returning from a peace meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, who disclosed this in a statement, said investigators had recorded significant progress in efforts to unravel those behind the attack.
According to the statement, those arrested are 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.
Commending the Command’s tactical teams and investigators for their swift action, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, described the arrests as a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation.
“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,” the Commissioner said.
He assured residents that the investigation was still ongoing, noting that security operatives had intensified efforts 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,” the police commissioner added.
CP Nwadiogbu also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and continue providing credible and timely information that would assist security agencies in the investigation and other operations across the state.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Benue State Police Command to safeguarding lives and property while sustaining peace, law and order throughout the state.
The killing of Mohammed, a prominent Fulani leader in Benue State, and his associate had sparked widespread concern after they were attacked while returning from a peace meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and the arrest of those responsible.
