The Benue State Police Command has arrested seven additional suspects, including an 80-year-old man, in connection with the killing of the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Ardo Mohammed.
Mohammed was killed on June 26 by gunmen after attending a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area of the state.
He and his friend, Yakubu Isah, were attacked and killed around Okukwu in Otukpo Local Government Area while returning home from the meeting.
Three days after the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, announced the arrest of 10 suspects in connection with the killing.
Edet, in a statement issued on Saturday and made available to journalists in Makurdi, said seven more suspects had been arrested following continued investigation.
She said, “Following sustained intelligence gathering, painstaking investigation and continuous tactical operations, an additional seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the case.”
“The arrests were made during intelligence-led operations by operatives of the command in continuation of the investigation.”
Edet identified the suspects 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).
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the investigating and tactical teams for their commitment and professionalism, saying their sustained efforts had continued to yield positive results.
He assured residents that investigation into the case was ongoing, adding that everyone found to have participated directly or indirectly in the crime would be identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police commissioner appealed to members of the public to remain calm and continue to support the police and other security agencies with credible and timely information to aid the investigation.