10 arrested as police intensify probe into Benue MACBAN chairman's killing

Arrests follow tactical police operation

The 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 Benue State, Ardo Risku Mohammed, and one Yakubu Isa.

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 the police described as intensive intelligence gathering and tactical operations.

Confirming the arrests in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said the operation marked a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the killings.

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.

Police describe breakthrough in investigation

Commending officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, lauded the tactical teams and investigators for what he described as their swift response.

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

— CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command

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

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

Appeal for public support as investigation continues

CP Nwadiogbu appealed to members of the public to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid the investigation.

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

— CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command

He reaffirmed the Command's commitment to maintaining law and order, stressing that the Benue State Police Command remained resolute in protecting lives and property while sustaining peace and security across the state.

The police said efforts were continuing to track down other persons connected to the killings.

Victims were attacked after peace meeting

The MACBAN chairman and Yakubu Isa were reportedly ambushed and killed by armed men at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area on Friday while returning from a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Idekpa, Ohimini Local Government Area.

The killings have drawn attention to security concerns in the area, with the latest arrests raising hopes that those responsible for the attack will be identified and prosecuted.

Police authorities said the investigation remains active as the Command intensifies efforts to uncover all those involved in the deadly ambush.