By Bayero Ade
The Benue State Police Command has arrested 273 individuals for various crimes, including armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and cybercrime, between April and December 2024. Of these, 250 have been charged to court.
This was revealed in a statement by the Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, on Monday in Makurdi.
The arrests include 54 armed robbery suspects, 63 alleged cultists, 27 individuals linked to kidnapping, and 47 rape suspects. The police also apprehended 41 individuals for cybercrimes and six for culpable homicide.
During the operations, the command recovered 20 firearms, 51 rounds of ammunition, one car, one tricycle, and 14 motorcycles. Additionally, 34 kidnapped victims were rescued.
Cultism remains a significant issue in the state, according to Mr. Yabanet. Seven suspected cultists were recently arrested in North Bank, Daudu, and Otukpo, with a locally fabricated pistol recovered. The suspects include Donald Aguma, Tyoshar Aondoaseer, Tsena Joseph, and Benjamin Andrew Augustine, among others.
“These suspects will soon be charged to court. I urge parents, teachers, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to join hands in the fight against cultism. It requires a combined effort to eliminate this menace,” he said.
The CP also raised concerns over mob justice, particularly the killing of elderly individuals accused of witchcraft.
“On December 24, an elderly woman was killed in Egba village, Agatu Local Government Area, over allegations of witchcraft. Following investigations, two suspects, Bako Above, 50, and Oyaje Clement, 40, were arrested,” he disclosed.
Mr. Yabanet commended Governor Hyacinth Alia and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for their support in strengthening security efforts in the state. He assured the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
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