The Benue State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the state, Ardo Risku Mohammed, and another victim, Yakubu Isa.
The command said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations carried out by its tactical teams on the night of Friday, June 27, in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, describing the arrests as a major breakthrough in the investigation into the double murder.
According to the police, those arrested are 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.
Edet said, “The Command has made significant progress in the ongoing investigation. Ten suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident following intensive intelligence and tactical operations.”
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the tactical teams and investigators for what he described as their swift response, saying the arrests underscored the command’s determination to ensure justice.
He added that investigations were ongoing and that efforts had been intensified to apprehend other suspects linked to the killings.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law,” the police commissioner said.
Nwadiogbu appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid the investigation.
Mohammed and Isa were reportedly ambushed and killed by armed men on Friday at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area while returning from a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer in Idekpa, Ohimini Local Government Area.
The killings had heightened concerns over security in parts of Benue State and prompted calls from stakeholders for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
The police reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, assuring residents that operations aimed at sustaining peace and tracking down other suspects would continue.
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