Seven More Suspects Arrested in Murder of MACBAN Chairman in Nigeria

The Benue State Police Command in Nigeria has taken seven more suspects into custody as part of the ongoing investigation into the murder of the state chairman of the country's leading cattle breeders' association. Those arrested include four traditional tribal chiefs and an 80-year-old man. These individuals were arrested in connection with the killings of Ardo Risku Mohammad, the Benue State chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), and a man named Yakubu Isa. The incident, which occurred against the backdrop of tensions between farmers and herders in the region, has put authorities on high alert. Police forces announced that, as a result of ongoing intelligence efforts and operational work, they have apprehended the individuals suspected of perpetrating the crime.

Ardo Mohammad and Yakubu Isa were ambushed and killed while returning from a peace meeting held in the neighboring Ohimini Local Government Area (LGA). This violent incident was carried out by armed individuals near the Okudu community, within the boundaries of the Otukpo Local Government Area, on 26 June 2026. The targeting of the victims as they returned from a peace meeting highlighted the security vulnerabilities and the scale of the conflict in the region. A large-scale investigation was initially launched to capture the perpetrators who managed to flee the scene. Authorities launched a multifaceted investigation, evaluating that the murders could be a planned assassination.

The identities of the newly detained suspects were shared with the public by Police Spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet during a statement made in the city of Makurdi. In the statement made by Edet on behalf of Police Commissioner Cletus Nwadiogbu, it was noted that the suspects were 43-year-old Chief Morgan Ejaga, 45-year-old Chief Moses Anteyi, 58-year-old Chief John Ogli, and 49-year-old Chief Yawuhu Adaji. Furthermore, it was confirmed that 80-year-old Sylvester Ajonye, 59-year-old Aba Alexander Uloko, and 45-year-old Fidelis Iduma were also among the suspects. It was emphasized that a comprehensive forensic process has been initiated to determine whether these individuals were involved in the incident, and that the detentions were the result of intelligence-driven operations.

Police Commissioner Cletus Nwadiogbu praised the professionalism of the officers who successfully conducted the investigation processes and participated in the operations. Nwadiogbu congratulated the police teams, stating that regular and uncompromising intelligence activities yielded concrete results in the murder case. Additionally, he promised that the investigation is continuing comprehensively and that everyone connected to this crime will be brought to justice. He emphasized that all individuals who directly or indirectly contributed to the commission of the crime will be identified and subjected to legal sanctions. Security forces stated that efforts are ongoing day and night to dismantle all networks behind the incident.

The Police Commissioner called on the local community to remain calm, cooperate with security forces, and share valid information. He pointed out that the public's timely and accurate sharing of information plays a vital role in capturing criminals. Nwadiogbu reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and establishing a lasting peace and security environment throughout Benue State. It is noted that the recent detentions have created some relief in the region, but measures must be increased to ensure permanent tranquility. Both security measures and social peace initiatives are being sustained to put an end to the vested and ethnic conflicts that occasionally escalate in this part of Nigeria.