Police nab eight more over MACBAN chairman’s murder

The Benue State Police Command has arrested eight more suspects, including an 80-year-old man, over the killing of the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and another victim, Yakubu Isa.

The victims were murdered on July 1 while returning from a security meeting organised by the Divisional Police Officer in Ohimini Local Government Area.

The latest arrests increase the number of suspects in custody to 18, following the earlier arrest of 10 persons in connection with the incident.

Confirming the development in a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said the fresh arrests followed sustained intelligence gathering and tactical operations by police operatives.

She identified the suspects as Morgan Ejaga, 43; Moses Anteyi, 45; John Ogli, 58; Yawuhu Adaji, 49; Sylvester Ajonye, 80; Aba Alexander Uloko, 59; Fidelis Iduma, 45; and another suspect apprehended during the operation.

Edet said the arrests were made as investigations into the killings continued, adding that security operatives were working to ensure everyone connected with the attack was brought to justice.

She quoted the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, as commending the investigating and tactical teams for their commitment and professionalism, noting that their efforts had continued to yield results.

The police assured residents that the investigation was still ongoing and vowed to arrest and prosecute all those found to have played any role in the killings.

The command also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could assist the investigation, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining peace across the state.