By Amos Aar
THE Benue State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Bartholomew Onyeka, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to carry out a total mop-up of illegal arms in circulation by clamping down on anyone who fabricates, possesses, sells and uses prohibited firearms.
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP), Sewuese Anene, who announced this in a statement on Tuesday, said the order by the police commissioner was in compliance with the directives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
“Individuals involved in unlawful possession of arms and light weapons are hereby warned to submit such illegally possessed weapons to the police at the nearest police station. This voluntary act does not attract any penalty.
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“Members of the public are hereby urged to report all suspicious firearms related activities to their local police stations.
“This process is part of efforts to fight firearm related offences and create an environment suitable for peaceful coexistence,” Anene said.
As part of follow up on the clampdown on bandits and their activities in Sankera axis of Benue state, the PPRO said officers of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF ) under the leadership of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Justin Gberindyer, trailed and arrested some members of a viscous syndicate led by one Anyogor Mnguor and Terhemen Mzaga also known as “Fullfire”.
The gang members were said to have specialized in kidnapping, attacking and killing innocent people. The most recent according to SP Anene was the gruesome murder of people at Akpuna community on July 21, 2023 in Ukum local government area.
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“During the Operation, the following suspects were arrested; Ordoonku Sunday Kusuv, Msughter Nyieyem, Terkaa Tayough and Liambee Adeadegh also known as Don-Konyo. Nine (9) rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition were recovered from them.
“One Sonter Felix Tyozughul was also arrested in connection with the kidnap of Dr. Asema Msuega a resident doctor at General Hospital Ukum on 23/07/2023 who had been released. The suspect confessed to have been actively involved in the crime”, part of the statement intimated.
