The Benue State Police Command has arrested seven additional suspects, including an 80-year-old man, as investigations intensify into the killing of the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN.
The latest arrests bring the number of suspects taken into police custody in connection with the killing to 17, following the earlier detention of 10 individuals shortly after the incident.
The deceased MACBAN leader, identified in police reports as Alhaji Ardo Mohammed, was killed alongside his friend, Yakubu Isah, on June 26, 2026, while returning from a peace meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were reportedly attacked by gunmen around the Okukwu area of Otukpo Local Government Area as they made their way home after the meeting.
The killing attracted widespread concern, particularly because the deceased was said to have participated in a peace meeting before the attack. The incident also renewed discussions about insecurity and strained relations among communities in parts of Benue State.
Following the killings, security operatives launched an investigation and intelligence-gathering operation aimed at identifying those responsible for the attack.
Three days after the incident, the Benue State Police Command announced the arrest of 10 suspects believed to be connected to the case.
However, police authorities maintained that the investigation remained active, with tactical and intelligence teams continuing operations in different locations.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, confirmed the latest development in a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi.
According to Edet, sustained intelligence gathering and continued tactical operations led to the arrest of seven additional suspects.
The police identified those arrested as 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.
Police authorities said the arrests were carried out during intelligence-led operations as part of the continuing investigation into the killing.
The command did not immediately disclose the specific roles allegedly played by each suspect in the incident. Authorities also did not provide details of charges against the suspects, stressing that investigations were still ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended officers involved in the investigation and tactical operations for their efforts.
He said the continued arrests demonstrated the commitment of the command to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the killings and identifying everyone connected to the crime.
Nwadiogbu assured residents that investigators would continue pursuing available leads until all persons found to have participated directly or indirectly in the attack were identified.
He added that suspects found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police commissioner also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could support ongoing investigations.
The killing of the MACBAN chairman has drawn significant attention amid persistent security concerns in Benue State, where violent attacks and communal tensions have repeatedly affected several communities.
Benue has faced years of insecurity linked to armed attacks, disputes over land and grazing, and tensions between farming and pastoral communities.
Successive governments and security agencies have introduced various measures aimed at restoring peace, but deadly incidents have continued to threaten stability in parts of the state.
The circumstances surrounding the killing of the MACBAN chairman have further raised concerns about the safety of individuals involved in local peace initiatives.
The fact that the victims were reportedly returning from a peace meeting when they were attacked has generated questions about the motive behind the killings and whether the incident was connected to wider local disputes.
Police have not publicly established a motive for the attack.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that unresolved killings could worsen mistrust between communities, particularly in areas already affected by longstanding tensions.
There are also concerns that violent incidents involving prominent community or association leaders could trigger retaliatory attacks if security agencies fail to act quickly.
The latest arrests are therefore expected to be closely watched by residents, community leaders and groups seeking an end to recurring violence in the state.
Authorities have continued to urge affected communities to avoid taking the law into their own hands and allow security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.
The arrest of an 80-year-old suspect and several individuals identified as chiefs has also attracted public interest. However, police have yet to provide detailed evidence linking the suspects to the killings.
Under Nigerian law, individuals arrested in connection with criminal investigations are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
Investigators are expected to gather statements, examine intelligence reports and establish the level of involvement, if any, of each suspect before further legal action is taken.
The Benue State Police Command has insisted that its investigation will be comprehensive and guided by available evidence.
Police authorities also promised that no individual found to have participated in the crime would be shielded, regardless of age or social status.
Meanwhile, residents have been encouraged to provide useful information to security agencies rather than spread unverified claims capable of increasing tension.
As the investigation continues, attention will remain focused on whether police findings will reveal the motive behind the killing and the identities of those who allegedly planned or carried out the attack.
The case is also likely to test ongoing efforts by security agencies to improve intelligence gathering and respond to violent crimes in communities across Benue State.
With 17 suspects now reportedly arrested, the police are expected to continue interrogations and other investigative procedures before determining the next stage of the case.
For many residents, the major concern remains justice for the victims and the prevention of further violence.
The Benue State Police Command has maintained that operations connected to the case are continuing and that further developments will be communicated as investigations progress.
The killing of the MACBAN chairman and his companion remains another reminder of the security challenges confronting Benue State and the urgent need for sustained peace-building efforts, effective policing and cooperation among communities.
As security agencies continue their investigation, residents and stakeholders will be watching closely for answers surrounding the deadly attack and the prosecution of anyone found responsible.
