Two notorious bandits killed in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has neutralized two notorious bandits in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, recovering a cache of arms in the process. 

This development was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Makurdi by the State's Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene.

Anene revealed that the operation was prompted by intelligence indicating the reassembly of bandits at De-Mtsa village in Katsina-Ala for illicit purposes. 

Acting swiftly, a team from Operation Zenda Joint Task Force, under the leadership of ASP Felix Nomiyugh, launched a decisive raid, resulting in the elimination of two bandits following an intense firefight.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the spokesman said, “Upon arrival at the scene, on March 27, the bandits engaged the police in a gun duel, but a superior fire power from the operatives dislodged them. Consequently, two of the bandits sustained gunshot injuries and were confirmed dead at the hospital. One was arrested and the others escaped with wounds, but they are currently being trailed by the operatives. Exhibits recovered from the scene include one type 06 rifle, three AK-47 magazines loaded with 7.6mm ammunition, 80 other ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted phones.’’

The statement further quoted the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, as commending the officers for their bravery, urging them to always take the war to the doorsteps of the criminals.

He also urged the people of the state to always support the Police with useful and timely information.

Those killed are members of the dreaded gang leader, Terwase Akwaza, a.k.a Ghana, killed in a similar operation some time ago.

The gang’s members, before their deaths, terrorised Abaji, Tor Donga and other neighbouring villages in Katsina-Ala.

Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum LGAs particularly faced unprecedented bandit activities for more than a decade.

Respite has yet to return to the areas despite the joint security operations in the area and the death of Ghana.