*Photo: Three of the newly arrested suspects*
The Benue State Police Command has arrested seven additional suspects, including four traditional chiefs and an 80-year-old man named Sylvester Ajonye, in connection with the murder of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and an associate, Yakubu Isa.
Gunmen ambushed and killed both men on June 26, 2026, around the Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area while they were returning from a joint peace and security meeting organized by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the neighboring Ohimini Local Government Area.
The newly announced arrests bring the total number of individuals arrested in connection with the double homicide to 17, following an initial 10.
According to the Benue State Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, the arrests followed sustained intelligence gathering and tactical operations led by the Benue State Police Commissioner, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu.
The seven suspects newly arrested are:
• Sylvester Ajonye (80 years old)
• Chief Morgan Ejaga (43 years old)
• Chief Moses Anteyi (45 years old)
• Chief John Ogli (58 years old)
• Chief Yawuhu Adaji (49 years old)
• Aba Alexander Uloko (59 years old)
• Fidelis Iduma (45 years old)
CP Nwadiogbu, praised the officers involved in the investigation for their professionalism and assured residents that the investigation is still ongoing. He stressed that everyone found to have played any role in the killings would be brought to justice.
The Command also urged members of the public to remain calm and continue providing credible information that could help security agencies conclude the investigation.