Police Launch Probe, Arrest 10 Over Benue Community Leader’s Murder

Ten individuals have been detained by the Benue State Police Command in relation to the murder of Yakubu Isa and Ardo Risku Mohammed, the chairman of the state’s Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

According to reports, the command claimed that after intelligence-led operations, the suspects were taken into custody during a coordinated operation by its tactical teams in Otukpo Local Government Area on the evening of June 27.

DSP Udeme Edet, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Saturday and called it a significant advance in the investigation.

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 were named as suspects.

Cletus Nwadiogbu, the Commissioner of Police, praised the tactical units and detectives for their prompt action.

“In the current inquiry, the Command has made tremendous progress. After extensive intelligence and tactical operations, ten suspects have been detained in relation to the incident thus far, he said.

Residents were reassured by the police commissioner that efforts were underway to find and apprehend further individuals connected to the killings.

He continued, “The Command remains committed to ensuring that everyone found guilty is brought to justice in accordance with the law.”

Nwadiogbu asked locals to maintain their composure and to keep providing security agencies with reliable information that can help the inquiry.

He reaffirmed the command’s dedication to preserving peace throughout the state and safeguarding people and property.

While returning from a peace meeting called by the Divisional Police Officer in Idekpa, Ohimini Local Government Area, Mohammed and Isa were reportedly attacked and slain by armed persons at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area on Friday.