By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State Police Command has announced the arrest of a syndicate of suspected armed robbers and cultists at different locations in the state capital, Makurdi.
According to a statement made available to journalists on Monday by the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Sewuese Anene, the arrest followed intelligence gathering by the police.
SP Anene said one of the suspects who sustained injuries during a gunfire exchange with men of Operation Zenda Joint Task (JTF) died at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi where he was rushed for treatment while dangerous weapons were ceased from those apprehended.
“Following credible intelligence gathered about an armed robbery syndicate operating around Kighir, Kanshio and Adeke community, officers from Operation Zenda JTF stormed their hideouts for raid.
“On sighting the police, the group engaged the police in an exchange of fire. In the process, one of the armed robbers sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to Teaching Hospital Makurdi where he was receiving treatment but eventually died and has been deposited at the hospital morgue.
“Other gang members arrested include; Tersoo Godwin Akatakpo aka “General”, Gowon Akatakpo, Ikya Chahul Atseriyol and Terver Iortimdee. Suspects confessed that they are members of Junior Vickings confraternity (JVC) as well as armed robbers.
“Items recovered from them are; one (1) single barrel gun, two (2) locally made pistols, five (5) live cartridges, four (4) expanded empty shells of cartridges, two (2) Dane guns, one red baret with JVC logo and three handsets suspected to be stolen. Suspects will be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is completed,” the statement read.
