Ardo Risku: Police arrest 80-year-old, Benue chiefs over murder of Fulani leader

The Benue State Police Command has apprehended seven more suspects, including an 80-year-old man and four traditional rulers, over the murder of the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed.

Those arrested are Sylvester Ajonye, 80; Chief Morgan Ejaga, 43; Chief Moses Anteyi, 45; Chief John Ogli, 58; Chief Yawuhu Adaji, 49; Aba Alexander Uloko, 59; and Fidelis Iduma, 45.

The command confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet.

According to the statement, the latest arrests followed weeks of intelligence-driven operations, detailed investigations and coordinated tactical efforts by police operatives pursuing those linked to the killings.

“The Benue State Police Command has arrested an additional seven suspects in connection with the killing of the State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and Yakubu Isah.

“Following sustained intelligence gathering, painstaking investigation and continuous tactical operations, an additional seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the case.

“The arrests were made during intelligence-led operations by operatives of the Command in continuation of the investigation,” the statement said.

Benue Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, praised the investigating and tactical teams for their commitment and professionalism, saying their operations have continued to produce encouraging results.

He stressed that the investigation remains active and assured that anyone found to have participated directly or indirectly in the killings would be tracked down and brought before the law.

The police commissioner also urged residents to remain peaceful and continue providing useful and timely information that could assist security agencies in concluding the investigation.

He reaffirmed the command’s resolve to secure justice for the victims while sustaining peace and public safety across Benue State.

Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed and his associate, Yakubu Isah, were murdered on June 26, 2026, after attending a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area.

The two men were reportedly ambushed by gunmen near Okpokwu in Otukpo Local Government Area while returning from the meeting.