Police Neutralise Notorious Bandit In Benue, Arrest Suspects Over Cult Clash

The Benue State Police Command has said its operatives neutralised a notorious bandit and arrested suspected cultists during security operations carried out in some parts of the state.

The police noted that they recovered arms and dangerous weapons during the operations.

In a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, on Thursday, said operatives attached to Jato-Aka Division last Wednesday responded to a violent clash between rival cult groups known as red and black.

The statement explained that the clash resulted in the death of two male persons, while other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

“During the operation, the following suspects were arrested in connection with the incident: Mvaater Adebo ‘M’, Pineter Akurayati ‘M’, Daniel Ese M’, Samuel Kwaghzer M’, Isaac Iorapul M’, Terungwa Tertese M’, Aondonenge Aper M’, and Ternenge Aondokura M’.

“During the operation, the following items were recovered: One locally fabricated pistol, one expended cartridge, two axes, and two machetes.

Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects involved in the cult-related violence”

In a related development, the police said credible intelligence was received indicating that a group of armed bandits had been sighted around Channel Two, Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of the state, with plans to kidnap a hotelier within the area last Wednesday.

The statement said that, acting swiftly on the information, a patrol team attached to Ukum Division was immediately deployed to the location. “Upon sighting the police operatives, the bandits opened fire. The patrol team responded with superior firepower, during which one of the bandits sustained fatal gunshot injuries.

During the operation, the following items were recovered from the suspect: One locally fabricated Beretta pistol, two rounds of live 9mm ammunition, and one bag containing charms”

Police said the injured bandit was rushed to General Hospital, Zaki-Biam, where he was confirmed dead by the attending medical doctor. “The deceased was later identified as Terkaa Samuel ‘M’, a notorious bandit from Jandekyula, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State”

The statement, however, stated that  additional patrol and tactical teams have been deployed to the surrounding areas to trace and arrest the fleeing bandits who escaped with possible gunshot injuries. “The operation is ongoing, and further updates will be communicated as developments unfold.

“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, PhD, psc, mnips, reassures the good people of Benue State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property. Members of the public are encouraged to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information that can aid crime prevention and detection,” the police added.