The Benue Police Command has apprehended 273 individuals for alleged capital offences between April and December 2024, with 250 suspects already charged to court.
In a statement released on Monday in Makurdi, Commissioner of Police Steve Yabanet disclosed that the arrests resulted in the recovery of 20 firearms and 51 rounds of ammunition.
The arrests included 27 kidnap suspects, leading to the rescue of 34 victims. Additionally, 54 armed robbery suspects, 63 suspected cultists, 47 rape suspects, and 41 cybercrime offenders were detained.
Six individuals were arrested for culpable homicide, while one car, one tricycle, and 14 motorcycles were recovered.
The Commissioner highlighted cultism as a significant issue in the state. Seven suspected cultists were recently apprehended in North Bank, Daudu, and Otukpo, with a locally fabricated pistol recovered.
Yabanet also condemned mob killings, especially cases linked to accusations of witchcraft. He cited a recent incident in Egba village, where two suspects were arrested for the murder of an elderly woman accused of witchcraft.
He urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to join efforts to combat cultism and other societal ills.
Yabanet commended Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, for their support of the command’s operations.