The Benue State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Alhaji Risku Mohammed, and his associate, Yakubu Isa.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Makurdi through the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet.
According to the police, the victims were attacked and killed by unidentified gunmen while returning from a security meeting along the Okwudu-Ogoli Road in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Nwadiogbu strongly condemned the attack, describing the killings as senseless criminal acts capable of disrupting ongoing efforts to promote peace and improve security across Benue State.
He expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and everyone affected by the tragic incident.
“The command condemns these senseless and criminal killings in the strongest terms. Such acts are capable of undermining the peace and security efforts being sustained across the state,” the police commissioner said.
He assured residents that the command had already activated a full-scale investigation into the attack.
According to him, tactical units and intelligence operatives have been deployed to identify those responsible, track them down, and ensure they are prosecuted.
“The command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident, while tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed to identify, apprehend, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The command will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the culprits are arrested and prosecuted,” Nwadiogbu stated.
The commissioner appealed to residents to remain calm and continue to obey the law while the investigation progresses.
He warned against taking the law into their own hands or circulating unverified information capable of escalating tensions within affected communities.
Nwadiogbu also encouraged members of the public with useful information that could assist investigators to report such details promptly at the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency communication channels.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Benue State Police Command to protecting lives and property across the state.
The commissioner further pledged that the police would continue working closely with community leaders, security stakeholders and other relevant agencies to ensure those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.
The attack, which claimed the lives of the MACBAN chairman and his associate, has heightened concerns over security in parts of Benue State, with authorities urging residents to remain peaceful as investigations continue.
