Police Launch Manhunt For Killers Of Benue Miyetti Allah Leader

The Benue State Police Command has described the killing of the State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, Ardo Muhammad, as totally “senseless and a criminal act with the potential to undermine the peace and stability of the State.

This is as the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, directed security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the unfortunate incident, with a view to fishing out the masterminds.

The source reports that the MACBAN leader was killed alongside an associate  identified as Yakubu Isah, while returning from peace meeting held in Ohinimini Local Council of the state on Friday, June 26,2026.

According to local witness accounts, Muhammad had attended the trouble-shooting meeting organized by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Ohinimini Local Government Area between Fulani and Ayunne community leaders to address recent communal clashes and security challenges in the area. 

However, the Fulani leader and his campanion  were  reportedly ambushed, attacked, and killed by suspected armed hoodlums within Okudu Community in Otukpo Local Council of the state while heading back their station.

A statement on Saturday June 27, 2026, from Udeme Edet, the  Benue state Police Command spokesperson, quoted the Commissioner of Police CP Cletus Nwadiogbu as condemning the dastardly incident as well as extending heartfelt condolences to the families, relations, friends and associates of the victims.

The CP also vowed that nothing will be spared in the efforts to hunt down and prosecute those behind the unfortunate incident.

The Command in the statement urged the people to remain calm, and avoid acts capable of escalating tension, and undermine the peace, and stability of the State.

Similarly, Governor Alia, while condemning the gruesome killing, described it as direct threat to the fragile peace, and reconciliation efforts ongoing across the State.

He charged the Police, and other security agencies in the State to take all necessary steps in locating, and apprehending the perpetrators of the heinous crime.