The Benue State Police Command has detained 10 individuals in connection with the assassination of Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Ardo Risku Mohammed and one Yakubu Isa.
The command was quoted to have said that the suspects were captured following intelligence-led operations during a coordinated operation by its tactical teams in Otukpo Local Government Area in the night of June 27.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, in a statement on Saturday, confirmed the arrests, describing the news as a major breakthrough in the investigation.
The accused were named 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.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, appreciated the prompt response of the tactical units and investigators.
“The Command has made good progress in its ongoing investigation. Ten people have been apprehended so far in connection with the event after rigorous intelligence and tactical operations,” he said.
The police commissioner informed people that investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest the other persons involved to the killings.
“The Command continues to assure that all those found guilty will be brought to justice according to law,” he continued.
Nwadiogbu called on citizens to be calm and continue to support security agents with genuine information that would help in the inquiry.
He emphasized the command’s commitment to preserving lives and property and ensuring peace across the state.
The late Mohammed and Isa were allegedly attacked and executed by unknown gunmen at Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area on Friday while returning from a peace meeting called by the Divisional Police Officer in Idekpa, Ohimini Local Government Area.
