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Thursday, February 13, 2025

Benue police arrest 273 suspects for armed robbery, cultism, others in eight months

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The Benue State Police Command has arrested 273 individuals for various capital offences between April and December 2024, charging 250 of them to court.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, in Makurdi.

The statement detailed the arrests, which include 54 armed robbery suspects, 63 alleged cultists, 27 kidnap suspects, and 47 individuals accused of rape. Additionally, 41 suspects were apprehended for cybercrimes, and six others were linked to culpable homicide.

During the period, the command recovered 20 firearms, 51 rounds of ammunition, one car, one tricycle, and 14 motorcycles. The police also rescued 34 kidnap victims.

One of the significant challenges highlighted by Mr. Yabanet was the issue of cultism, which remains a major concern in the state.

“While some cultism suspects have been charged to court, we currently have seven suspected cultists in custody, arrested in areas such as North Bank, Daudu, and Otukpo. Among them are Donald Aguma, Tyoshar Aondoaseer, Tsena Joseph, and Benjamin Andrew Augustine,” he said.

The CP also reported that three suspects from Wadata in Makurdi—Garba Yusuf (alias Totis), Ismail Dauda, and Abdulahi Danjuma—were arrested with a locally fabricated pistol in their possession. He assured that all suspects would soon be charged to court.

Mr. Yabanet called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to join efforts in eradicating cultism, emphasizing the need for a “carrot and stick” approach to combat the menace.

Another troubling issue raised was the rising cases of mob justice, particularly the killing of elderly people over allegations of witchcraft.

“On December 24, an aged woman was killed on suspicion of witchcraft in Egba village, Agatu Local Government Area. Following investigations, two suspects—Bako Above, 50, and Oyaje Clement, 40—were arrested in connection to the case,” the CP said.

Mr. Yabanet expressed gratitude to Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for their support in enhancing security efforts in the state.

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