Benue MACBAN Boss Murder: Police Nab Eight More Suspects, Including Octogenarian

The Benue State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue, and Yakubu Isa. Seven additional individuals, including an 80-year-old man, have been taken into custody by the authorities.

Alhaji Mohammed and Yakubu Isa were brutally killed on July 1, 2026, as they were returning from a crucial security meeting organized by the Divisional Police Officer within Ohimini Local Government Area. DSP Udeme Edet, the spokesperson for the command, confirmed these latest arrests in a statement released on Saturday, July 11, 2026. She indicated that the apprehensions were the result of extensive intelligence gathering, thorough investigative work, and well-coordinated tactical operations by the police.

The newly identified suspects are: 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). These recent detentions follow the earlier arrest of ten suspects connected to the case, bringing the total number of individuals arrested to seventeen.

CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, the Commissioner of Police for Benue State, commended the diligent efforts and professionalism displayed by the officers involved in the ongoing investigation. He reassured the citizens of Benue that the inquiry is still active and pledged that anyone found to have participated in the killings would be apprehended and prosecuted. The Command also appealed to the public to maintain peace and continue to provide valuable information that could assist security agencies in bringing the investigation to a conclusive end.