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 (MACBAN), Alhaji Risku Mohammed.

The latest arrests bring to 17 the number of suspects apprehended in connection with the June 26 killing of the MACBAN chairman and his associate, Yakubu Isah, who were ambushed by gunmen while returning from a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area.

They were attacked around Okukwu in Otukpo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Udeme Edet, said the additional suspects were arrested following sustained intelligence gathering, painstaking investigation and continuous tactical operations by operatives of the command.

The suspects were identified 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.

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the investigating and tactical teams for their professionalism and persistence, noting that the ongoing operation had continued to yield positive results.

The commissioner assured residents that investigations into the killings were ongoing and vowed that everyone found to have participated directly or indirectly in the crime would be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Nwadiogbu also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and continue supporting the police and other security agencies with credible and timely information to aid the investigation, reiterating the command's commitment to securing justice for the victims and maintaining peace and order across the state.