The Benue State Police Command has eliminated two infamous bandits in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) of the state and seized weapons.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Makurdi by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, it was disclosed that the Police Command had taken action based on intelligence regarding the reassembly of bandits in De-Mtsa village, Kastina-Ala, for illicit activities.
Anene stated in the release that a squad from Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF), under the leadership of its commander, ASP Felix Nomiyugh, promptly raided the location and eliminated two of the bandits amid intense gunfights.
“Upon arrival at the scene on March 27, the bandits engaged the police in a gun duel, but superior firepower from the operatives dislodged them.
“Consequently, while two of the bandits sustained gunshot injuries and were confirmed dead at the hospital, one was arrested and the others escaped with wounds, but they are currently being trailed by the operatives.
“Exhibits recovered from the scene include one type 06 Rifle, three AK-47 magazines loaded with 7.6mm ammunition, 80 other ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and assorted phones,” the spokesman said.
The statement also quoted Commissioner of Police Mr. Emmanuel Adesina as praising the officers for their courage and encouraging them to consistently confront criminals head-on.
He also urged the residents of the state to provide the police with valuable and timely information.
According to NAN, those neutralized were members of the notorious gang led by Terwase Akwaza, also known as Ghana, who was previously killed in a similar operation.
The gang’s members, prior to their demise, instilled fear in Abaji, Tor Donga, and other nearby villages in Katsina-Ala.
For over a decade, Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Ukum LGAs have endured unprecedented banditry. Despite the collaborative security operations in the region and the demise of Ghana, relief has yet to be attained.