Police kill 1, arrest 3 armed robbery, cult suspects in Benue

Sept. 4, 2023

The Police Command in Benue said they have killed one and arrested three suspected armed robbers and cultists in Makurdi, the state capital.

This is contained in a press statement signed by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Sewuese Anene, in Makurdi om Monday.

The statement stated that the officers from Operation Zenda JTF raided Kighir, Kanshio and Adeke communities following credible intelligence about the activities of armed robbery syndicate.

The statement further stated that on sighting the police, the suspects engaged the police in gun battle and one of them was shot and died later at the hospital where he was receiving treatment.

“In the process, one of the armed robbers sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to Benue State University 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 Akatakpo aka ” General “, Gowon Akatakpo, Ikya Chahul Atseriyol and Terver Iortimdee.

“Items recovered from them are one single barrel gun, two locally made pistols, five live cartridges, four expanded empty shells of cartridges, two Dane guns, one red beret with JVC logo and three handsets suspected to be stolen.”

The statement stated that the suspects later confessed to be members of Junior Vickings Confraternity ( JVC ) as well as armed robbers, adding that they would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations are completed.