AT YULETIDE, SEVEN ROBBERS WERE APPREHENDED IN BENUE COMMUNITIES.

The Benue State Police Command has apprehended seven alleged armed robbers and recovered many items.

According to Catherine Anene, the police public relations officer, who disclosed this in a statement to review their achievements during the festive season, on 28/12/2022 at around 0130hrs, information was received that armed robbers operating along Adikpo-Jato-Aka Road attacked and robbed road users of their belongings.

She stated that over the course of the police investigation, one Aondongu Iorlamen Abigwa Bebatso and five others were arrested in connection with the crime.

“Items found from them include a locally made single barrel rifle, a head mask, a military camouflage, and a motorcycle stolen from the same robbery scene,” she said.

The police spokesperson further stated that on December 31, 2022, at approximately 0200hrs, a distress call was received indicating that five suspected kidnappers had raided a compound at Tse-kpum in Vandeikya local government area in order to kidnap Mr Terzungwe.

“When the police arrived, the suspects fled into a neighboring woodland, where one of them was eventually detained while the rest of his gang escaped,” she continued.

She stated that the suspect confessed to being dispatched by an enemy of the victim to kidnap him for ransom, and that an investigation is ongoing to apprehend any other suspects.

In another development, the PPRO stated that on the 02/01/2023 at approximately 1100hrs, officers of Safer Highway patrol on stop and search duty at Ogene junction on the Otukpo-Ugbokolo route intercepted one Aliyu Danazumi with goods suspected of being stolen.

“A search of his possessions on the spot resulted in the discovery of ten phones, a cutlass, and a sack containing new clothes and shoes,” he claimed.

She stated that the suspect admitted to breaking into stores with other gang members while merchants were away for Christmas to steal the products, and that an investigation is underway to identify the shop owner and apprehend the criminals still at large.

According to the spokesperson, the commissioner of police for Benue State Command, Wale Abass, praised officers’ dedication to work over the Yuletide and asked them to keep up the excellent work since more is expected of them during the election time.