The Benue State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the killing of a herder, Mr. Hassan Suleiman, widely known as Alhaji Fodar, who was murdered by unidentified attackers in the Ogobia area of the state.
In a statement issued on December 7, 2025, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said the matter was formally reported on December 5, 2025, at about 8:30 a.m. by one Alhaji Usman Amodu of Onyilaba Ukpobi in Ohimini Local Government Area.
“He reported at the Ogoli Divisionars that Hassan Suleiman, popularly known as Alhaji Fodar, had been attacked and killed by unknown persons in a bush area around Ogobia,” the statement said.
Following the report, a joint security team comprising operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, the Civil Protection Guard, the Nigerian Military and community volunteers mobilised to the crime scene.
“On arrival, the team found the lifeless body of the deceased with a deep cut on his neck, while one motorcycle believed to belong to the victim was recovered at the scene,” the police added.
No suspect was apprehended at the location.
However, the Command noted that as the team returned, friends of the deceased began pointing fingers at some individuals in Ogobia town.
“The identification was emotional and based on mere suspicion, and as such, no arrest was made,” the statement clarified.
The police urged mourners and residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate tensions, assuring that a professional and unbiased investigation would be carried out.
“The Command under my watch will remain impartial and will ensure that suspects involved in the dastardly act are arrested,” Emenari said.
The Command also confirmed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for deeper inquiry.
It warned the public against circulating unverified information likely to heighten tension in the community.
“Members of the public are urged to disregard misleading claims that may not help the investigation but could lead to a breach of peace,” the statement concluded.