Fear Grips Benue Community as Police Arrests 10 Suspects Over Killing of Fulani Leader
Palpable fear has gripped the Otukpo and its environs in Benue State as the Nigeria Police has swung into action to arrest some suspects allegedly connected to the killing of Fulani leader in the state, Mr. Ardo Risku.
Ardo Risku, the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), was reportedly killed alongside one Isa Yakubu on Friday after he had attended a “peace meeting” Ohinmini Local Government Area of the state.
The “peace meeting” was said to have been convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohinmini with leaders of Ayunne community in Ohinmini Local Government Area of the state on Friday.
However, as the chairman and his companion were travelling back, gunmen reportedly ambushed their vehicle at a village in Otukpo Local Government Area and killed him and the other occupant.
Reacting to the alleged killing, the Benue State Police Command late Saturday announced it has arrested 10 suspects in connection to the crime.
According to the police, operatives of the Force carried out a coordinated tactical operations within the Otukpo axis on Saturday night, June 27, 2027.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Udeme Edet, the Command said the arrests marked a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the gruesome killings.
The police revealed the names of the arrested suspects as: Titus Thyodenda (25), Utibe Sam (20), Owoicho Ameh (18), Sunday Useni (21), Sunday Ogbanje (46), Daniel Raphael (23), Adokole John (24), Samuel Ogazi (32), Agbo Daniel (25) and Onazi James (30)
Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, commended the tactical teams and investigators for their swift response and professionalism, describing the arrests as a major step towards ensuring justice.
The police boss also assured residents that investigations remain ongoing and that efforts have been intensified to identify and apprehend other persons linked to the killings.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring that all those found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Benue CP further appealed to residents of the state to remain calm, continue to cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that could assist the investigation