MACBAN chair seeks IGP’s intervention over son’s detention

The Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Muhammed Risku, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Benue State government to intervene in the continued detention of his son, Mahmuda Risku, by the police. Risku made the appeal on Sunday during a press conference in Makurdi, […]

The Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Muhammed Risku, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Benue State government to intervene in the continued detention of his son, Mahmuda Risku, by the police.

Risku made the appeal on Sunday during a press conference in Makurdi, alleging that his son was arrested on February 1, 2026, while grazing cattle near a stream in the Ogobia community of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State.

He stated that Mahmuda was tending to 48 cattle in search of pasture when vigilantes allegedly arrested him and shot at the animals, causing the herd to scatter.

Risku said his son was later handed over to the police at the Otukpo Divisional Police Office.

He noted that he confirmed the detention through a phone call to the station.

According to the chairman, the police informed him that his son was accused of burning a rice farm—an allegation Mahmuda denied, insisting he was only tending to his cattle at the time of his arrest.

The MACBAN chairman explained that he requested to speak with his son via phone. During the conversation, Mahmuda narrated that he had committed no offense and was simply leading his cattle to drink water when the vigilantes apprehended him.

Risku noted that he was in Makurdi when the incident occurred. When he attempted to travel to Otukpo to see his son, he was informed that the case was being transferred to the state police headquarters.

While waiting at the Benue State Police Headquarters in Makurdi, Risku was informed that only 10 of the 48 cattle had returned, all bearing gunshot wounds, while 38 remain missing.

He added that his son was later transferred to the Operation Zenda office on the directive of the Commissioner of Police. Since then, Mahmuda has remained in custody without being properly charged in court or granted access to his family.

Risku further alleged that the police demanded N18 million as compensation for the allegedly burnt rice farm before his son could be granted bail. He described the demand as unjust and maintained his son’s innocence.

He called on the authorities to ensure the matter is properly charged to court, warning that the Commissioner of Police should be held responsible should anything happen to his son while in custody.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said the matter is currently under investigation.