Police arrest 10 over Benue MACBAN chairman’s killing

The Benue State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing of the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Ardo Mohammed.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet.

According to the statement, intensive intelligence gathering and tactical operations carried out by the command led to the arrest of the 10 suspects.

“The suspects were arrested on the night of June 27, 2026, during a coordinated operation by tactical teams in the Otukpo area of the state,” he said.

The command identified the suspects 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.

PidomNigeria Online reports that Mohammed and his friend, Yakubu Isah, were killed on Friday, shortly after a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area of the state.

The attack reportedly occurred at Okudu village in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area and heightened fears of renewed violence in communities already troubled by recurring attacks and communal tensions.

It was gathered that the MACBAN chairman had attended a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini LGA alongside community leaders and Fulani herders.

He and his companion were travelling back from the meeting when gunmen ambushed their vehicle and shot them dead.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the tactical teams and investigators for their swift response and professionalism in making the arrests.

The commissioner assured members of the public that investigations were ongoing and that efforts had been intensified to identify and apprehend other persons connected with the killing.

He reiterated that the command remained committed to ensuring that all those found culpable were brought to justice in accordance with the law.

The commissioner further appealed to residents of the state to remain calm, continue cooperating with security agencies and provide useful information that could assist the investigation.

The Benue State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while sustaining peace and security across the state.