The Benue State Police Command has disclosed that it has killed one suspected armed robbers and arrested four others in Makurdi, capital city of Benue State.
This was contained in a statement issued by the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, made available to journalists in Makurdi on Monday, noting that men of Operation Zenda stormed the hideouts of the suspects and engaged them in the gun duel.
One of the suspected robbers was killed during the gun battle with policemen who raided their hideouts.
She said, “Following credible intelligence gathered about an armed robbery syndicate operating around Kighir, Kanshio and Adeke community, (all in Makurdi) officers from Operation Zenda JTF stormed their hideouts for the 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 was 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 the Junior Vikings Confraternity (JVC) as well as armed robbers.
The Spokesperson declared that one single barrel gun, two locally made pistols, five live cartridges, four expanded empty shells of cartridges, two Dane guns, one red beret with the JVC logo and three handsets suspected to be stolen were recovered from the suspects.
Anene further said that the suspects would be arraigned in court as soon as the investigation was completed.
