Benue State Police Command has intensified its clampdown on cult-related activities across the state, arresting suspected cult members and recovering firearms, drugs and other dangerous weapons during separate operations.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, the Command disclosed that two suspects, Dominic Terkaa Peter and Sunday Tarvihi, were arrested in Vandeikya Local Government Area. Items recovered from the suspects included a locally fabricated revolver pistol and a jack knife.
According to the PPRO, the suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Makurdi.
Cult Attack Foiled in Guma
The Command’s spokesperson further revealed that in another operation, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Yelwata Division, acting on credible intelligence, uncovered plans by suspected cult members to attack rival groups and unsuspecting members of the public in Udei area of Guma Local Government Area.
Following the intelligence, the police mobilised patrol teams in collaboration with other tactical units to the area.
The statement noted that during the operation, one suspect identified as Mnyam Ternenge of Udei, Guma Local Government Area, was arrested, while other suspects fled the scene. Recovered items from the suspect included one cutlass, one knife and hard drugs.
The PPRO added that the suspect confessed to being a member of the MBS cult group during preliminary investigation.
Police Assure Residents of Continued Action
DSP Edet assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while further investigations are being handled by the State CID, Makurdi.
She also reassured residents that the Benue State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to eradicate cultism and all forms of criminality across the state.
The Commissioner of Police urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to enhance effective policing, adding that further developments would be communicated as investigations progress.
