Benue State police command has arrested twenty-six (26) suspected armed robbers and cultists during a stint operation carried out by the Tactical Unit of the command.
This swift response was sequel to the directive of the commissioner of police, Benue State command, CP Steve Yabanet due to the high level of insecurity in Makurdi metropolis especially the north bank area. As a result, all Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders were ordered to clamp down on criminal elements and cultists in their areas of engagements.
Subsequently, the renewed efforts paid off when 26 suspected armed robbers and cultists were arrested within the Makurdi metropolis.
The suspects who were arrested from their various hideouts after gathering credible intelligence about their nefarious activities include Auwal Sani, AKA flasher 44years; Sabo Abdullahi, 31 years; Idris Ibrahim, 20 years and Shaapera Emmanuel, 23years among others. Exhibits recovered during the operation includes two locally fabricated pistols loaded with five live ammunitions and other illicit drugs.
A suspected gun runner, one Daniel Emmanuel was also arrested during a routine stop and search duty along Ikyobo-Agbede road in Ushongo Local Government area of Benue state. On the spot search on him led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols in his bag.
According to the press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State police command, DSP Sewuese Anene, other suspects who were attacking and robbing commuters on transit from Calabar to Abuja but had a breakdown along Makurdi-Lafia road were also arrested
During police investigation, the following suspects were arrested. They include Aondona Kyemti, 22years; Aondona Ahile, 23 years; Solomon Tarka, 40years and Isaac Terkula, 23 years were arrested. Exhibits recovered from them include two phones, foodstuffs and clothing which were identified by the passengers as their goods.
The Voice gathered that, the suspects have already been charged to court while investigations are ongoing on other cases.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Steven Yabanet warned criminals disturbing the peace in the state to desist from their nefarious activities or relocate or be ready to face the consequences of their actions as the command has zero tolerance and ever ready to deal decisively with any criminal elements within the ambits of the law.
It will be recalled that, the recent clampdown is due to the current high cases of day light robbery and cult related activities around Makurdi metropolis especially the north bank area where residents no longer move freely with their belongings, with daily deaths being recorded from rival cult clashes, phone snatching, robbery and cases of rape despite the presence of two major military formations and DSS Quarters in the area.
