From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command, on Wednesday, says it has arrested 34 suspected cultists and armed robbers terrorising some parts of Makurdi and other axis of the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, in a statement on Wednesday night, said the suspects were arrested at NorthBank area in Makurdi and Ikyobo-Agbede road, Ushongo LGA of the state.
Anene said that the suspected cultists had, before their arrest, killed some people within Northbank and Modern Market areas, all in the capital city of Makurdi, adding that they were apprehended following the intensity of operations to clampdown on criminal elements in the state.
According to her, the command’s operatives had made significant success in curbing the activities of armed robbers,cultist and other criminals.
She disclosed that on 14/11/2024 about 1320hrs information was received at ‘C’ Police Division, Makurdi that the corpse of a young man was seen at North Bank Makurdi and swiftly detectives were deployed to the scene for investigation after which it was discovered that the death of the suspect was as a result of a rival cult clash, while Information was also gathered about hideouts in the area.
SP Anene explained that, on 17/11/2024 at about 2200hrs to 0200hrs of 18/11/2024, a joint operational team of the Police, the Army and NSCDC working on actionable intelligence raided hideouts and arrested eighteen (18) suspected cultists at Avis hotel and other areas of Northbank.
She said illicit drugs were recovered from their various hideouts.
“Furthermore, on 19/11/2024 at about 2200hrs further joint operation was carried out by the operatives of Cyber Crime, Eagle Eye and Anti-cult department of the command .
“They launched an aggressive raid at hideouts of the suspected cultists and apprehended fourteen (14) more suspects. The following exhibits were recovered from them; two (2) locally made pistols, three (3) live Cartridges, leaves suspected yo be marijuana , six (6) mobile phones, cash sum of ₦23,670.00, one (1) Single barrel gun, three (3) ATM cards, criminal charms, shisha smoke pot, one (1) Laptop and one graven image. Suspects will soon be charged to court.
“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.
“A search at the spot led to the recovery of two (2) locally made pistols in his bag and one Baja Motorcycle. Investigation is ongoing to unravel his source and the receivers he intends to supply”, Anene stated.
The command police spokesperson maintained that the commitment of the state Commissioner of police, CP Stephen Yabanet to down on cultism, robbery and other criminal activities in the state led to these successes
“These achievements are a testament of the commands commitment to rid the state of crime and criminality. This fight shall be sustained to ensure the security and safety of Benue residents. I therefore urge the good people of the state to cooperate with the police by way of providing useful and timely information”, she quoted the commissioner as saying.
