Police Arrest 10 Suspects Over Killing Of Benue MACBAN Chair

The Benue State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects linked with the killing of the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Mohammed.

The arrests followed intelligence-led operations and coordinated tactical raids carried out by the command in Otukpo Local Government Area of the State.

Confirming the development in a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said the suspects were apprehended during a late-night operation on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

According to the police, the operation was the outcome of intensive intelligence gathering and strategic deployments aimed at tracking down those responsible for the attack.

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.

Mohammed and his associate, Yakubu Isah, were killed on Friday while returning from a peace meeting held in Ohinmini Local Government Area of the State.

The victims were reportedly ambushed by gunmen at Okudu village in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area shortly after attending the meeting, which had been convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini Police Division and attended by community leaders and Fulani herders to address security concerns in the area.

The attack has heightened fears of renewed violence in parts of Benue State already grappling with recurring communal clashes and insecurity.

Reacting to the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the tactical teams and investigators for their swift response and professionalism.

He assured residents that investigations were ongoing and that efforts had been intensified to identify and apprehend other individuals linked to the killings.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring that everyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.

He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.

The Benue State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while sustaining peace and security across the state.