Families of some young men arrested in connection with the killing of Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, have appealed for their release, insisting the suspects were arrested during a police raid at a food joint in Otukpo. They maintain the youths have no connection with the murder and are calling for a fair and impartial investigation.

Families of several young men arrested in connection with the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, have appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to release their children, maintaining that they were wrongly arrested.

The families alleged that the suspects were among people rounded up by police officers during a raid at a food joint near the Total Filling Station in Otukpo town, several kilometres from Okwudu community, where the MACBAN chairman was killed.

Speaking through activist Meddy Olotu, one mother said her 21-year-old son, Huseni, had returned from farm work and stopped to eat before police officers stormed the area and arrested those present.

According to her, Huseni works as a farm labourer and has no connection with the killing.

His father, Mr. Huseni Adama, also insisted his son was innocent, saying the arrest has left the family devastated.

Another family said their son, Adakole John, was also arrested during the same operation while eating at the food joint. His father, who identified himself as a security guard at St. Jude, appealed to authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure justice is done.

Similarly, the family of 18-year-old Owiocho, a photographer, said he was arrested after work during the police raid despite having no involvement in the incident.

The families collectively urged the police to conduct a thorough, impartial and evidence-based investigation, stressing that only individuals directly linked to the killing should face prosecution.

They also appealed for the speedy conclusion of investigations so that anyone found not to be connected with the crime can regain their freedom.

As of the time of filing this report, the police had not publicly disclosed the outcome of their investigation or arraigned the suspects before a competent court.

Benue Info-pedia notes that the allegations made by the families have not been independently verified, and the suspects remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.