The Benue State Police Command has apprehended ten individuals in connection with the murder of the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku Mohammed, and one Yakubu Isa. The arrests were confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Udeme Edet, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, in a statement released on Sunday in Makurdi.
Arrests Follow Intelligence-Led Operations
According to Ms Edet, the arrests were the result of intensive intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical operations carried out by the command. The suspects were taken into custody on the night of 27 June during a coordinated operation by tactical teams in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Identities of the Suspects
The police spokesperson named the suspects as Titus Thyodenda, 25; Sam Utibe, 20; Owoicho Ameh, 18; Sunday Useni, 21; Sunday Ogbanje, 46; Daniel Raphael, 23; John Adokole, 24; Samuel Ogazi, 32; Daniel Agbo Daniel, 25; and James Onazi, 30.
Commissioner Commends Swift Response
Ms Edet quoted the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, as commending the tactical teams and investigators for their swift response and professionalism in making the arrests. The commissioner assured residents that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons connected with the crime.
“The command remains committed to ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law. We are appealing to residents to remain calm, continue to cooperate with security agencies and provide useful information that could assist ongoing investigations. The command is committed to protecting lives and property while sustaining peace and security across the state,” Ms Edet quoted the commissioner as saying.
