Police arrest 10 suspects over killing of Benue Miyetti Allah chairman

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By Peter Duru, Makurdi

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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) in Benue State, Ardo Risku Mohammed, and one Yakubu Isa.

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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.

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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.

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The statement said 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.

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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.

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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.”

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He assured the public that investigations were ongoing and that efforts had been intensified to identify and apprehend other persons linked to the crime.

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According to him, “The Command remains committed to ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law.”

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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.

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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.

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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 the Idekpa, Ohimini LGA.

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