Benue Police Launch Manhunt After MACBAN Chairman Is Killed Returning From Security Meeting

The Benue State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Alhaji Risku Mohammed and another man, Yakubu Isa, who were attacked by unknown gunmen in Otukpo.

The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by the Command's spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet.

According to the police, Mohammed and Isa were ambushed while returning from a security meeting along the Okwudu–Ogoli Road in Otukpo.

Condemning the attack, Nwadiogbu described the killings as senseless criminal acts capable of undermining ongoing efforts to restore peace and improve security across Benue State.

He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and all those affected by the incident, assuring residents that the command was committed to ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.

"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," the police commissioner said.

He urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands or spreading unverified information capable of heightening tensions.

The police commissioner also appealed to members of the public with credible information about the attack to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.

The attack comes amid ongoing security operations and peacebuilding efforts in parts of Benue State that have witnessed recurring violence involving armed groups and farming communities.