The Benue State Police Command stated it had detained 12 people for a variety of crimes, including kidnapping, banditry, illicit weapons manufacturing, and armed robbery.
CP. Emmanuel Adesina, the state Commissioner of Police, made the announcement during his first press briefing on Wednesday at the police headquarters in Makurdi.
Adesina stated that over the last three weeks, the command under his supervision has implemented some deployment changes and re-oriented personnel on the importance of being professional in carrying out their jobs, with some success.
He said “On 21/02/2024 at about 1530hrs, information was received that one George Aondosoo Ayua of Asase 1, North Bank, Makurdi, was no where to be found after school hours and his kidnappers were already asking for N6 million to be paid as ransom.
“Operation Zenda Joint Task Force were deployed to rescued the victim and arrest suspects. A diligent trial of the suspects led the team to a hideout at Abua village, km.16 Gboko Road Makurdi where the victim was held hostage by his captors.
“Victim was rescued unhurt while two members of the gang one Ayua Moses and Azua Samson of different addresses in Makurdi were arrested. Investigation is ongoing to arrest other suspects at large.
The Commissioner who also stated that the command arrested suspected gun manufacturers explained that “Following information gathered about arm deals going at Agu, Vandeikya LGA, Police detectives were deployed to gather intelligence and arrest suspects involved.
He said “On 7/2/2024 at about 1830hrs, one Precious Ebuka Chukwu of Onitsa Anambra State was arrested at Agu in Vandeikya LGA.”
He said an on the spot search conducted on the suspect, led to the recovery of three locally made berretta pistols while the suspect led the team to the hideout of his regular suppliers; one Tyav Wuese and Tyav Terkuma blacksmiths of Adikpo, Kwande LGA who specialize in fabricating guns.
He stated that the two manufacturer were also arrested and will soon be charged to court.
Other suspects include some suspected bandits and kidnappers.
“On 24/1/2024 at about 1500hrs, while information was received that, dreaded armed bandits led by one Chen and Iorpuu Ayangeer blocked Tse-Kperse, Naindo-Zaki-Biam road and abducted one Aornen Kpor, a member of Benue State Volunteer Guard, who was travelling along the route to an unknown destination.
“During investigation, one Vanen Mnyim and Adera Terseer both of Ngenev, Ukum LGA were arrested in connection with the case.
“These suspects confessed to the crime and led the Police team to a bush at Adogo village where the victim was killed and buried in a shallow grave. The corpse has been exhumed and deposited at the hospital for autopsy and proper burial while investigation is ongoing.
Also, following reports of robbery attacks on Makurdi-Naka road, Police teams were emplaced to investigate and arrest suspects.
“On 6/2/2024 at about 1915hrs, the police trailed and arrested three gang members; Oryina Kumshi, Terzungwe, and Philip Tyohie in a hideout at Adeke area of Makurdi.
He said the suspects confessed to have been involved in four robbery operations on Naka road and neighbouring communities that led to loss of live and properties.
They, particularly, confessed to have been part of the robbery and killing of a female youth corps member, one Irene Chioma Emmanuel whom they killed while she was trying to protect her laptop from them.
“A knife and thee live ammunition were recovered from them while investigation is ongoing.
He said the command also “On 24/2/2024 at about 2330hrs while police officers in collaboration with Community Volunteer Guards where on patrol at Adoka, they intercepted one Echoche and Inalegwu Anebi in a dark corner where they were suspected to have laid ambush for commuters.
According to him, one single barrel gun, ATM cards and one locally made revolver short gun loaded with five rounds of ammunition were recovered from them.
He stated that his men have been deployed to the troubled areas in the state including Agatu and Apa to ensure the people sleep well and access their farmland vowing that under his watch, the command will continue to fight crime and make the state a better place for peaceful coexistence.
He, therefore, called on the Benue people to support the police with useful and timely information that is capable of preventing crime just as he urged the media to continue to remain professional in carrying out their duty as information managers in the state saying it will help create an environment for peace to thrive.