By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has cracked an armed robbery syndicate operating around Kighir, Kanshio and Adeke communities of Makurdi metropolis.
A press release signed by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Anene Sewuese Catherine, stated that the success was achieved “following credible intelligence gathered”.
“We received a credible tipoff about the operations of an armed robbery syndicate operating around Kighir, Kanshio and Adeke communities. A mobilized crack squad of officers from Operation Zenda JTF stormed their hideouts in raids that were hugely successful”.
According to the release, “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”.
The release gave the names of other suspected members of the gang that were arrested to include; Tersoo Godwin Akatakpo aka ” General “, Gowon Akatakpo, Ikya Chahul Atseriyol and Terver Iortimdee. The arrested suspects confessed that they are members of the Junior Vickings confraternity ( JVC ) as well as armed robbers.
Items recovered from the the gang include: one (1) single barrel gun, two (2) locally made pistols, five (5) live cartridges, four (4) expended empty shells of cartridges, two (2) Dane guns, one red baret with JVC logo and three handsets suspected to be stolen.
“The suspects will be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is completed”, the release said.
SP Anene Sewuese Catherine reiterated the State Commissioner of Police’s firmed resolve to rid the state of criminals, and also warning intending criminals to stay clear from Benue or face the law.
