By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Worried by the upsurge of cult activities, armed robbery and other criminal activities in North Bank part of Makurdi, the Benue State Police Command which intensified its efforts has arrested no fewer than 26 suspects involved in such criminal acts.
A statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Sewuese Catherine Anene, said the state Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, ordered all Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to clampdown on cultism and other crimes within their areas of responsibility.
The statement revealed that the renewed commitment of the command led to the arrest of twenty six (26) suspected cultists/armed robbers within Makurdi metropolis.
According to the police spokesperson, the suspects arrested include; Auwal Sani AKA Flasher 44yrs, Sabo Abdullahi 31yrs, Idris Ibrahim 20yrs, Shaapera Emmanuel 23yrs among others.
She informed that the suspects were arrested at their various hideouts after gathering detailed intelligence about their activities.
Exhibits recovered, according to the statement include: two locally made pistols loaded with live ammunition and illicit drugs even as investigation was ongoing to arrest other suspects.
The statement also revealed that while police officers were on routine stop and search duties along Ikyobo-Agbede road, Ushongo LGA, they intercepted one Daniel Emmanuel on a motorcycle which led arrest and recovery of two(2) locally made pistols in his bag even as investigation was ongoing to unravel his source and where he intended to supply.
The police spokesperson, further, disclosed that commuters were on transit from Calabar to Abuja and their vehicle broke down along Makurdi – Lafia road and some armed robbers along the road attacked them and robbed them of their belongings.
She named those arrested in connection with the case as Aondona Kyemtu 22yrs, Aondona Ahile 23yrs, Solomon Tarkaa 40yrs, Solomon Iorember 40yrs and Isaac Terkula 23yrs. Exhibits recovered from them include; two phones, foodstuff and clothings identified by passengers as their goods.
The suspects have already been charged to court.
Anene quoted the Commissioner of Police as warning the hoodlums disturbing public peace in the state to relocate for their own good or face the consequences of their actions.
