The Benue State Police Command has apprehended 10 suspects over the murder of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State chapter, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, alongside his associate, Yakubu Isah.
Mohammed and his associate were reportedly attacked and killed on Friday along the Okwudu-Okpachenyi rural road in Otukpo Local Government Area while returning from a security meeting held in Ohimini LGA.
The command disclosed that the 10 suspects were arrested on Saturday night during a coordinated intelligence-driven operation carried out by its tactical teams in Otukpo LGA.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, revealed this in a statement released on Sunday in Makurdi.
She stated that the arrests followed intensive intelligence gathering and tactical operations launched after the gruesome killing of the MACBAN chairman and his associate.
The suspects were identified 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.
State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, praised the tactical teams and investigators for their prompt action and professionalism, which resulted in the arrests.
He assured residents that investigations were ongoing and that efforts had been intensified to identify and apprehend other persons linked to the killings.
The police commissioner reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring that everyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information that could aid the ongoing investigation.
The statement further reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property while sustaining peace and security across Benue State.
