The Benue State Police Command has arrested eight additional suspects, including an 80-year-old man, in connection with the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and Yakubu Isa.
The victims were killed on July 1 while returning from a security meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed the latest arrests in a statement issued on Saturday, saying the breakthrough followed sustained intelligence gathering, detailed investigations and coordinated tactical operations.
According to the police, the newly arrested 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), Fidelis Iduma (45), and one other suspect.
The latest arrests come after the earlier apprehension of 10 suspects linked to the case, bringing the total number of persons arrested in connection with the killings to 18.
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers involved in the investigation for their professionalism and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring that all those connected to the crime are brought to justice.
He also appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting the police with credible information that could aid the ongoing investigation.