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Police arrest 10 over Benue MACBAN chairman’s killing

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Police in Benue State, Nigeria, arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing of Alhaji Ardo Mohammed, the state chairman of MACBAN.
  • Mohammed and a companion were ambushed and killed shortly after attending a peace meeting.
  • The police commissioner commended the swift response and assured the public that investigations are ongoing to apprehend all involved parties.

The Benue State Police Command has apprehended 10 suspects in connection with the murder of Alhaji Ardo Mohammed, the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). The arrests followed intensive intelligence gathering and tactical operations.

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.

— DSP Udeme EdetThe command's spokesperson detailed the timing and location of the arrests.

According to a statement by the command's spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, the suspects were arrested on the night of June 27, 2026, during a coordinated operation in the Otukpo area. The arrested individuals have been identified by name and age.

Alhaji Mohammed and his associate, Yakubu Isah, were killed on Friday shortly after participating in a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini Local Government Area. The attack occurred as they were traveling back from the meeting when gunmen ambushed their vehicle. The incident has heightened fears of renewed violence in a region already grappling with recurring attacks and communal tensions.

The commissioner assured members of the public that investigations were ongoing and that efforts had been intensified to identify and apprehend other persons connected with the killing.

— Commissioner of Police, Cletus NwadiogbuThe police commissioner provided an update on the ongoing investigation.

Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, praised the tactical teams and investigators for their prompt and professional actions. He assured the public that the investigation is continuing with intensified efforts to identify and arrest any other individuals connected to the killings. The commissioner urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, reaffirming the command's commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining peace and security across the state.

The command remained committed to ensuring that all those found culpable were brought to justice in accordance with the law.

— Commissioner of Police, Cletus NwadiogbuThe police commissioner reiterated the commitment to legal justice.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.