The Benue state Police Command has arrested 26 suspects for sundry crimes including gun running, criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism among others

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Catherine Anene said the arrests followed the orders by the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP. Steve Yabanet, to all Divisional Police Officers, DPOs and Tactical Commanders to clampdown on cultism and other crimes within their areas of responsibility.

Recall that there has been an upsurge of cult activities and other criminal activities in North Bank area of Makurdi, the Benue state capital.

The Commissioner said the renewed commitment of the command led to the arrest of 26 suspected cultist and armed robbers within makurdi metropolis.

He explained that while four suspects were arrested for criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism, one was arrested for gun running and others arrested for armed robbers along Lafia-Makurdi road.

He said the suspects arrested include Auwal Sani aka Flasher 44yrs, Sabo Abdullahi 31yrs, Idris Ibrahim 20yrs, Shaapera Emmanuel 23yrs among others.

The Commissioner said the suspects were arrested at their various hideouts after gathering detailed intelligence about their activities.

He said they were arrested with two locally made pistols loaded with live ammunition and illicit drugs while investigation is ongoing to arrest other suspects.

He also disclosed that “On 18/11/2024 at about 1025hrs while police officers were on routine stop and search duties along Ikyobo-Agbede road, Ushongo LGA, they intercepted one Daniel Emmanuel on a motorcycle. Asearch at the spot led to the recovery of two locally made pistols in his bag.”

He said investigation is ongoing to unravel his source and the receivers he intends to supply.

He stated further that “On 9/11/2024 at about 1900hrs, information was received that while commuters were on transit from Calabar to Abuja, their vehicle broke down along Makurdi – Lafia road and some robbers along the road attacked them and robbed them of their belongings.”

He said during investigation, the police arrestez Aondona Kyemtu 22yrs, Aondona Ahile 23yrs, Solomon Tarkaa 40yrs, Solomon Iorember 40yrs and Isaac Terkula 23yrs in connection with the case.

He said two phones, foodstuff and clothings identified by passengers as their goods were recovered from them. According to him, the suspects have been charged to court.

CP Yabanet warned hoodlums disturbing public peace in the state to relocate for their own good or face the consequences of their actions.

Daily sun