Panic In Benue Community As Bandits Threaten To Avenge Death Of Members

Residents of Agwabi community in Tombo council ward of Buruku local government area are fleeing in droves following threats by armed bandits whose members were killed by operatives of Benue State Joint Security Taskforce code named ‘Operation Zenda’ on Wednesday.

LEADERSHIP recalls that officers of ‘Operation Zenda’ raided a militia hideout in the area and in a gun battle, leading to the killing of a Police Inspector, Terfa Anyiatse and 11 bandits.

Our correspondent gathered from locals, that there is apprehension in the community following the threats by the bandits who are on rampage to avenge the killing of their members.

Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Catherine Anene who confirmed the incident also informed that the Command, in other operations in Daudu and Makurdi by various Divisions arrested 37 suspected robbers and cultists and recovered seven (7) locally made pistols.

According to her, “The operation is in line with the directives by Commissioner of Police, CP Steve Yabanet to all Tactical Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to clamp down on criminals.”

Anene said, “On the 19/3/2025 at about 0200hrs, while some of the operatives were on their way to a criminal hideout at Agwabi, Tombo ward, Buruku Local Government Area, they ran into an ambush laid by the bandits who engaged the police in a fierce gun duel killing one of the officers.

“In response, the police countered the ambush with a more superior fire power that subdued the gang, and at the end of the cross fire, twelve (12) bandits were neutralised while others escaped.”

The injured bandits were taken to the hospital where they were confirmed dead and their corpses were deposited at the hospital morgue.

Items recovered from them include three (3) AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted charms.

The PPRO said, “Unfortunately, one of the police team members; Inspector Terfa Anyiatse sustained a gunshot injury and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. His corpse has also been deposited at the morgue.”

While commiserating with family and friends of the deceased officer, the CP prayed for the repose of his soul and as well commended the courage of the operatives involved in the operation.