A suspected arms-producing and -marketing syndicate operating in the state’s Adikpo-Vandeikya Local Government Area has been busted by Benue State Police Command agents.
Additionally, in Makurdi, the state capital, the special operation resulted in the arrest of suspected armed robbers and ritualists.
Police detectives were sent to the area to crack down on the syndicate after credible intelligence about the arms dealers along Adikpo-Vandeikya road was received, according to a statement signed by SP Anene Sewuese Catherine, the public relations officer for the Benue State Police. The suspects were then taken into custody.
Additionally, the group apprehended Jem Demesugh and one Fater Terkula on November 15 after busting the thieves’ hideout.
Upon conducting an immediate search of the hiding place, six locally manufactured barretta pistols, and a motorbike were found. Ternenge Kpamngu, Chukwudi Udeh, Aondo Kusugh, Terkula Ihyungwa, also known as Japan, and nine more people were apprehended after more inquiries.
One locally manufactured Barretta pistol, two gas cylinders, one welding cylinder, two welding nozzles, and a Sienna bus are among the other exhibits that were recovered from them. The suspects admitted that they had been involved in the production, sale, and training of weapons for youngsters. At the training area, teenagers under the age of thirteen were also taken into custody.
She added that on November 23, 2023, information about the robbery suspects was received at ‘E’ Division Makurdi regarding the theft of Mr. Misaq Eke’s property from Mbakiya village in the Ugondo District of Makurdi.
Jeremiah Ugborgo and one Ushahemba Ayoough were taken into custody in relation to the matter throughout the investigation. They had one barretta gun that was made locally and taken from them.
The suspects admitted that they went on the heist alongside two other gang members who are still at large. Arrests of the other suspects are ongoing.
On November 21, while a police team was conducting a routine patrol along Barracks Road in Makurdi, they received information about the arrival of one Godspower Oghenerumu, a suspected ritualist (yahoo yahoo), along with his pregnant wife and five other people. They apprehended the suspected ritualist as well.
With haste, the team apprehended the spiritual leader, his spouse, and five additional individuals.
After the ritualist’s followers claimed during an investigation that they had participated in some ritual activities in Delta State that had not produced the promised amount of money, Godspower informed them that the spirit had instructed them to relocate to Benue, where they would receive further instructions on how to produce money.
Jeremiah Ugborgo and one Ushahemba Ayoough were taken into custody in relation to the matter throughout the investigation. They had one barretta gun that was made locally and taken from them.
The command stated that the investigation into the three cases was ongoing.
