Suspect Nabbed With Live Ammunition Dies In Hospital

Benue State police command yesterday said it intercepted 117 rounds of live ammunition on a commercial motorcycle along Gbagir-Zaki Biam road, Ukum local government area of the state from a suspect who later died in hospital during investigation.

State police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet said on Friday at about 0845 hours, operatives of the command received credible information regarding the movement of a male suspect identified as Saamoga, also known as Aleki, who was allegedly conveying live ammunition from Gbagir to Zaki-Biam on a commercial motorcycle.

The statement stated that based on the information, a patrol team was immediately mobilised and deployed to Tse Dubem area of Ukum local government area, where a stop-and-search operation was conducted.

“Upon sighting the police patrol team, the suspect reportedly disembarked from the motorcycle and attempted to evade arrest. In the course of the operation, the suspect was immobilised with a shot to the leg and taken into custody.

“A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of 117 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed inside socks within his handbag. Other items recovered include charms and a mobile phone.

“During preliminary investigation, the suspect confessed that the ammunition was being conveyed to Taraba State. The suspect was subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Zaki-Biam, for medical attention, where he later died while receiving treatment,” police said.

In another development, the command on Friday received a situation report on an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Edikwu Icho in Apa local government area.

The attack was repelled through the efforts of operatives of the command attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

“Following the intervention, the general security situation in Apa remains calm. Additionally, the bridge linking Ugbokpo, Idogbu, Ochumeku, and Ikobi, which was earlier burnt by suspected herdsmen, is currently being replaced. Reconstruction work is ongoing under heavy security presence to ensure the safety of personnel and members of the public.

“The command acknowledges the continuous support and collaboration received from other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Civil Protection Guard, and relevant Benue State Government officials, whose synergy with the Police has remained instrumental in the successful execution of operations and the maintenance of peace and public safety across the State,” the police statement added.