Benue police detain four chiefs, three others over murder of MACBAN chairman

The Benue State Police Command says it has arrested seven additional suspects, including four traditional rulers and an octogenarian, over the murder of the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku Mohammad, and Yakubu Isa.

The two men were attacked and killed by armed assailants on June 26, 2026, near the Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area as they returned from a peace meeting held in neighbouring Ohimini LGA.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu.

According to the command, the arrests resulted from intelligence-led operations, detailed investigations and sustained tactical efforts by police operatives handling the case.

The suspects were named as Chief Morgan Ejaga, Chief Moses Anteyi, Chief John Ogli, Chief Yawuhu Adaji, Sylvester Ajonye, Aba Alexander Uloko and Fidelis Iduma.

“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 read.

Nwadiogbu praised the investigating officers for their dedication and said the operation reflected the command’s resolve to uncover everyone involved in the killings.

He reiterated that the investigation was still ongoing and warned that anyone found to have participated in the attack, either directly or indirectly, would face prosecution.

“Every person found to have participated directly or indirectly in the commission of the crime will be identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the police commissioner stated.

He further urged members of the public to support security agencies with useful information, assuring residents that the command would continue working to ensure justice for the victims while maintaining peace and security across the state.

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