From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State Police Command has announced the death of a notorious suspected armed robber and assassin, identified as Saater in Tarka Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, who made the disclosure in a statement, said the suspect had been on the command’s wanted list for his alleged involvement in the assassination of hunters’ commander, Mr Aondoakaa Yayol, on June 20 and the murder of Yayol’s wife on February 11, 2023.
The statement signed by the police spokesperson, Udeme Edet, said credible intelligence revealed that Saater had secretly returned to Makurdi on October 18 with the intention of carrying out further attacks.
The commissioner said on getting the information, a team of detectives was swiftly deployed to apprehend him around George Akume Way, Makurdi, adding that on sighting the police, the suspect opened fire, prompting a shootout.
According to him, the police responded and succeeded in subduing him and he sustained gunshot injuries.
According to the commissioner, the suspect was rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, where he later died and his body deposited at the morgue.
Items recovered include one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated short gun, several 7.62mm live ammunition and cartridges, and seven SIM cards suspected to have been stolen.
Warning residents to desist from criminal activities, he urged them to report any suspicious person or movement to the nearest police station or security operative.
