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 the state, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and another victim, Yakubu Isa.
Mohammed and Isa were attacked and killed on July 1 while returning from a security meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The latest arrests bring the total number of suspects in custody to 18, following the earlier arrest of 10 persons linked to the incident.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Udeme Edet, said the fresh arrests were made through sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical operations.
She identified the suspects as 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 another suspect arrested during the ongoing operation.
According to Edet, the arrests form part of the command’s continued investigation into the killing of the MACBAN chairman and his companion.
She said the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the investigating and tactical teams for their professionalism and persistence, noting that their efforts had continued to yield positive results.
The police spokesperson assured residents that investigations were ongoing and pledged that everyone found to have played a role in the killings, directly or indirectly, would be apprehended and prosecuted.
She also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support the investigation.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and maintaining peace and security across Benue State.
(The Whistler)