Police Kill 6 Armed Bandits, Arrest 3 Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Weapons In Benue

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The Benue State police command on Monday, said it has killed six(6) armed bandits during a gun battle at Mbavuur council ward in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State

The police also confirmed the arrest of two suspected armed robbers and a kidnapper at various locations within the State.

The command police public relations officer, SP Catherine Anene who disclosed this in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Makurdi said, the feats were achieved following intelligence gatherings.

SP Anene intimated that following intelligence received about a bandit camp at Mbavuur ward, Logo Local Government Area, a team of Operation Zenda JTF stormed the camp on 27/07/2024 and engaged the militia group in a gun duel.

She explained that during the operation, six (6) bandits were neutralised while others escaped, adding that the corpses were recovered and deposited at NKST Ugba morgue while fleeing suspects were still being trailed.

According to her, one (1) AK-47 rifle and two (2) locally fabricated short guns loaded with ammunition were recovered from the scene.

Anene further stated that on 18/7/2024 at about 1130hrs one Tersoo Dabo ‘m’ 22yrs of Udei was trailed and arrested in connection with robberies along Makurdi -Lafia road and confessed to be part of a 7 man gang operating along the highway.

She said further investigation led to the arrest of one Martin Akunu ‘m’ 37yrs of Udei town, who is the spiritual leader of the said gang who fortifies them before going out for operations.

“One locally made double barrel, 162 balls suspected to be local ammunition and gun Powder were found in his possession .

“Again, on 28/7/2024 at about 1000hrs a police patrol team at Daudu arrested a suspected kidnapper, one Usman Hardo ‘m’ of Keana who has been on the wanted list for kidnapping and cattle rustling in Nasarawa state and Guma Local Government Area of Benue state.

“Investigation is ongoing to arrest other gang members.

“Let me use this opportunity to commend the good people of Benue state for their continuous support to the police and resilience in fighting crime”, Anene said.

She said the commissioner of police in the State has assured that the command, under his watch is committed to rid the state of criminality.

PPRO added that the presence of police officers across Makurdi today is not to scare citizens but to assure them of police presence and warn any hoodlum who intend to cause breach of peace in the name of protest.