The Benue State Police Command has arrested seven additional suspects, including four traditional chiefs and an 80-year-old man, in connection with the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State chapter, Ardo Risku Mohammad, and one Yakubu Isa.
Ardo Mohammad and Yakubu Isa were ambushed and killed by armed men on June 26, 2026, around the Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area while returning from a peace meeting held in neighbouring Ohimini LGA.
The latest arrests were announced in a statement issued over the weekend in Makurdi by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu.
According to the statement, the breakthrough followed sustained intelligence gathering, painstaking investigation, and continuous tactical operations carried out by police operatives investigating the high-profile killings.
The newly arrested suspects were identified as Chief Morgan Ejaga, 43; Chief Moses Anteyi, 45; Chief John Ogli, 58; Chief Yawuhu Adaji, 49; Sylvester Ajonye, 80; Aba Alexander Uloko, 59; and Fidelis Iduma, 45.
The police said the arrests were made during intelligence-led operations as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu commended the officers involved in the investigation, praising their professionalism and dedication, which he said had continued to yield positive results.
He assured residents that the investigation was still ongoing and vowed that everyone found to have played any role in the killings would be brought to justice.
“Every person found to have participated directly or indirectly in the commission of the crime will be identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the Commissioner said.
Nwadiogbu also urged members of the public to remain calm and continue supporting the police and other security agencies with credible and timely information, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and maintaining peace and security across Benue State.
