By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State Commissioner of Police, Mr Emmanuel Adesina, on Wednesday confirmed that herdsmen who trooped into the state recently but were given two weeks ultimatum by the state security council to vacate the state or obey the anti-open grazing law, have started complying.
The ultimatum took effect from February 20, 2024 and will lapse on March 5, 2024.
Adesina stated this while fielding questions from journalists at the maiden press briefing he organised in his office at the police state command, Makurdi.
“We are battling with this issue of the influx of herdsmen which necessitated the state government to convene a security council meeting and two weeks ultimatum was given to herdsmen to vacate and many of them are complying. But we are still waiting. At the end of the two weeks ultimatum, there will be another action that will be taken by the state government.
RELATED NEWS:
Benue Govt Gives 2 Weeks To People Practicing Open Grazing Quit State Or…
Gov Alia Bows To Pressure, Promises To Enforce Anti-Open Grazing Law
Benue Renewed Attacks: Tiv Traditional Council Tasks Alia On Application Of Anti-Open Grazing Law
“That’s just an assurance to the good people of Benue State that the government is not sleeping on that matter. The security agencies too are working round the clock to ensure that they are well protected,” Adesina said.
On his achievements so far in combating crime in the state, Adesina, who assumed duty on February 8, 2024, said in the last three weeks, the command has carried out some reforms in the area of deployment and re-orientation of officers on the need to be professional in carrying out their duties.
Within the period, he said the command has also arrested kidnappers and recused abductees.
“On 21/02/2024 at about 1530hrs, information was received that one George Aondosoo Ayua ‘m’ of Asase 1, North Bank, Makurdi was nowhere to be found after school hours and his kidnappers were already asking for six million naira (N6,000,000) to be paid as ransom. Operation Zenda Joint Task Force were deployed to rescue the victim and arrest suspects.
“A diligent trial of the suspects led the team to a hideout at Abua Village, km.16 Gboko Road, Makurdi where the victim was held hostage by his captors. Victim was rescued unhurt while two members of the gang, one Ayua Moses ‘m’ and Azua Samson ‘m’ of different addresses in Makurdi were arrested. Investigation is ongoing to arrest other suspects at large.
“On 24/1/2024 at about 1500hrs, while information was received that, dreaded armed bandits led by one Chen ‘m’ and Iorpuu Ayangeer ‘m’ blocked Tse-Kperse, Naindo-Zaki-Biam road and abducted one Aornen Kpor ‘m’ a member of Benue State Volunteer Guard, who was travelling along the route to an unknown destination.
“During investigation, one Vanen Mnyim ‘m’ and Adera Terseer ‘m’ both of Ngenev, Ukum LGA were arrested in connection with the case. These suspects confessed to the crime and led the Police team to a bush at Adogo Village were the victim was killed and buried in a shallow grave. The corpse has been exhumed and deposited at the hospital for autopsy and proper burial while investigation is ongoing”, Adesina said.
He further stated that the command under his watch has nabbed armed robbers and gun manufacturers.
“Following information gathered about arm deals going on at Agu, Vandeikya LGA, Police detectives were deployed to gather intelligence and arrest suspects involved. On 7/2/2024 at about 1830hrs, one Precious Ebuka Chukwu ‘m’ of Onitsa Anambra State was arrested at Agu in Vandeikya LGA. On the spot search conducted on the suspect, led to the recovery of three (3) locally made berretta pistols. The suspect led the team to the hideout of his regular suppliers; one Tyav Wuese ‘m’ and Tyav Terkuma ‘m’ blacksmiths of Adikpo, Kwande LGA who specialize in fabricating guns. The two manufacturers were also arrested. Suspects will soon be charged to court.
“Following reports of robbery attacks on Makurdi-Naka road, Police teams were emplaced to investigate and arrest suspects. On 6/2/2024 at about 1915hrs, the police trailed and arrested the following gang members; Oryina Kumshi ‘m’, Terzungwe ‘m’ and Philip Tyohie ‘m’ in a hideout at Adeke.
ALSO READ:
Oronsaye Recommendations: We’ll Not Sack Workers, Information Minister Assures
Why We Suspended Day 2 Of Our Nationwide Protest – NLC
“Suspects confessed to have been involved in four robbery operations on Naka road and neighboring communities that led to loss of lives and properties.
Particularly, they confessed to have been part of the robbery and killing of a female youth corps member, one Irene Chioma Emmanuel whom they killed while she was trying to protect her laptop from them. A knife and thee live ammunition were recovered from them. Investigation is ongoing.
“On 24/2/2024 at about 2330hrs while police officers in collaboration with Community Volunteer Guards where on patrol at Adoka, they intercepted one Echoche ‘m’ and Inalegwu Anebi ‘m’ in a dark corner where they were suspected to have layed ambush for commuters. One single barrel gun, ATM cards and one locally made revolver short gun loaded with five rounds of ammunition. Investigation is ongoing”, the police commissioner intimated. Twelve criminal suspects arrested for various offences were paraded at the command headquarters shortly after the press briefing.
