JUST IN: Police Arrest 10 Over Killing of Benue MACBAN Chairman

The Benue State Police Command has arrested 10 persons in connection with the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Alhaji Ardo Mohammed.

The arrests followed days of investigation after the killing of the cattle breeders’ leader, an incident that has triggered fresh concerns over security in parts of Benue State already battling communal tensions and violent attacks.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday. He said operatives carried out coordinated intelligence-led operations that led to the suspects being picked up in Otukpo.

According to him, the suspects were apprehended during a tactical operation conducted late on June 27, 2026.

“The suspects were arrested on the night of June 27, 2026, during a coordinated operation by tactical teams in the Otukpo area of the state,” he said.

Police identified the suspects 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.

The arrests came barely days after Mohammed was killed alongside his associate, Yakubu Isah.

The two men were reportedly attacked on Friday while returning from a peace meeting held in Ohinmini Local Government Area. The meeting was said to have involved community leaders, Fulani herders and security officials as part of efforts to ease tensions in the area.

Reports indicate that the peace meeting was convened by the Divisional Police Officer in Ohinmini.

After the meeting, Mohammed and Isah were said to be travelling back when armed men ambushed them at Okudu village in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area.

The gunmen reportedly opened fire on their vehicle, killing both men on the spot.

The incident has raised serious concerns among residents, especially in communities that have experienced repeated security challenges in recent months.

Reacting to the development, Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, praised officers involved in the operation for their swift response and professionalism.

He also assured residents that investigations remain ongoing.

According to the police, efforts are being intensified to track down other individuals who may have played a role in the attack.

The Commissioner said the command remains determined to ensure that everyone connected to the killing is identified and brought before the law.

He urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could help ongoing investigations.

The Benue State Police Command further reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.

The command said it remains focused on protecting lives and property while sustaining peace in troubled communities.