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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja and Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Police in Benue said it has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing of the state Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku Mohammed, and one Yakubu Isa.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, in a statement yesterday said the arrest followed intensive intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical operations carried out by the command.
She said the suspects were apprehended on the night of June 27 during a coordinated operation by tactical teams in Otukpo Local Government Area.
According to the police spokesperson, the suspects are 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.
Edet said the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the tactical teams and investigators for their swift response and professionalism in making the arrests.
She said the commissioner assured residents that investigations were 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,” Edet quoted the commissioner as saying.
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has described the attack as “reprehensible, unacceptable and a direct assault on the peace, reconciliation and mutual trust that communities across Benue State have worked painstakingly to rebuild.”
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the SGF said the incident was particularly alarming because it occurred at a time when security in Benue had shown “encouraging improvements” and communities were gradually restoring peaceful coexistence. “Enemies of peace must not be allowed to reverse the gains already recorded through dialogue, understanding and collective sacrifice.”
Akume, former governor of Benue State, reiterated the need for unity across ethnic, cultural and religious lines, and linked peace to development. “Sustainable development and economic prosperity can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and mutual respect.”
He urged residents and community leaders to resist efforts by criminal elements to spark reprisals. “No individual or group should take the law into their hands,” the SGF said, adding that “lasting peace remains the strongest foundation for attracting investment, expanding agriculture, creating jobs and guaranteeing a better future for all citizens.”
The SGF extended his condolences to the family of the late Risku, MACBAN leadership and members, and others affected by the killings.
He also called on security agencies — including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) — to conduct “a thorough, transparent and painstaking investigation,” insisting that “no stone must be left unturned” in identifying, arresting and prosecuting everyone connected with the crime.
Recalling his previous demand for justice after the Yelwata killings, Akume noted that suspects in that case had been apprehended and were standing trial, and said the same resolve must be shown now. “The lives of every Nigerian are sacred. Those who believe they can undermine peace through violence and murder must understand that there will be no hiding place for them. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” he said.
The SGF reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling insecurity, saying the President “has continued to provide the nation’s security and intelligence agencies with the necessary support, resources and strategic direction to decisively tackle criminality and ensure that every part of Nigeria is safe for citizens to live, work and pursue legitimate livelihoods.”
Akume urged residents of Benue to remain calm and to cooperate with security agencies by giving credible information that could assist investigations, and to continue supporting efforts to strengthen peace and harmonious coexistence across the state.
