By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue Police Command has disclosed that it has neutralized six bandits during an operation at a criminal camp at Mbavuur ward, in Logo Local Government Area of the state.
State Commissioner of Police, Hassan Yabanet who made the disclosure yesterday in Makurdi, during a media briefing said a team of Operation Zenda JTF working on intelligence stormed the camp, adding that his men swiftly engaged the militia group in a gun duel Killing six on the spot, while others escaped and corpses of the dead recovered and deposited at the NKST Ugba morgue, with fleeing suspects still being trailed.
He said items recovered at the scene include one AK-47 rifle and two locally fabricated short guns loaded with ammunition.
Similarly, CP Yabanet also revealed that the police on July 18 trailed and arrested a notorious armed robber one Tersoo Dabo, male, aged 22 of Udei town in connection with series of robberies along Makurdi- Lafia road.
He said the suspect during police investigation confessed being part of a 7- man- gang operating along the highway, stating that further investigation led to the arrest of one Martin Akunu, male , 37 years also of Udei town and the spiritual leader of the gang who it is alleged fortifies the gang members before going out for operations.
Items recovered during the operation include one locally made double barrel, 162 balls suspected to be local ammunition and gun powder found in his possession.
The Benue CP also told journalists that on July 28, police patrol team at Daudu arrested a suspected kidnapper, one Usman Hardo, male 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, adding that investigation into the matter is ongoing to arrest other gang members.
He commended the good people of Benue State for their continuous support to the police and resilience in fighting crime, assuring that the command under his watch would always remain committed to rid Benue of criminality.
