Police Launch Investigation Into Killing of Benue MACBAN Chairman, Condemn Attack

The Benue State Police Command has condemned the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State chapter, Ardo Rabo Mohammed, and another victim, Yakubu Isa, describing the attack as a criminal act capable of threatening ongoing peace and security efforts in the state.

The victims were reportedly attacked by unidentified gunmen on Friday while returning from a security meeting along the Okwudu-Ogoli Road in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, expressed deep sadness over the incident and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.

The police commissioner described the killings as “a senseless and criminal act” and assured residents that the command had already commenced a full-scale investigation to identify those behind the attack.

According to the statement, tactical teams and intelligence operatives have been deployed to track down the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.

“The command will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the culprits are arrested and prosecuted,” the statement said.

Nwadiogbu appealed to residents to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that acts of retaliation or the spread of unverified information could worsen tensions within affected communities.

He urged members of the public with useful information that could assist investigators to report promptly to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency communication channels.

The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Benue State Police Command to safeguarding lives and property across the state despite prevailing security challenges.

He added that the command would continue working closely with other security agencies, community leaders and relevant stakeholders to maintain peace and strengthen security across Benue.

The killing of the MACBAN chairman has heightened concerns over security in parts of the state, where clashes involving armed groups and attacks on communities have remained a recurring challenge.

Police authorities, however, assured residents that every available resource would be deployed to uncover those responsible for the killings and prevent similar incidents.

The command reiterated that no individual involved in the attack would escape justice, pledging to sustain efforts aimed at protecting lives, preserving public order and supporting ongoing peacebuilding initiatives across Benue State.