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From Scholastica Hir Makurdi
The Benue State command of the Nigeria Police has arrested 12 suspects for alleged illegal gun manufacturing and other sundry crimes including kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery among others.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP. Emmanuel Adesina, disclosed this at his maiden press briefing at the police headquarters in Makurdi on Wednesday.
Adesina said in the last three weeks, the command under his watch, has carried out some reforms in the area of deployment and re-orientation of officers on the need to be professional in carrying out their duties with some degree of success achieved.
He said,” on February 20 at about 3.30 am, information was received that one George Aondosoo Ayua of Asase 1, North Bank, Makurdi, was no where to be found after school hours and his kidnappers were already asking for N6 million to be paid as ransom.
“Operation Zenda Joint Task Force was deployed to rescued the victim and arrest the suspects. A diligent trial of the suspects led the team to a hideout at Abua village, km.16 Gboko Road Makurdi, where the victim was held hostage by his captors.
” The Victim was rescued unhurt, while two members of the gang: Ayua Moses and Azua Samson, of different addresses in Makurdi, were arrested. Investigation is ongoing to arrest other suspects at large.
The CP ,who also stated that the command arrested suspected gun manufacturers, explained that:”Following information gathered about arm deals going at Agu, Vandeikya LGA, Police detectives were deployed to gather intelligence and arrest the suspects involved.
He said,”One Precious Ebuka Chukwu of Onitsha Anambra State,was arrested at Agu in Vandeikya LGA.”
He said an on the spot search conducted on the suspect, led to the recovery of three locally made berretta pistols,while the suspect led the team to the hideout of his regular suppliers; one Tyav Wuese and Tyav Terkuma blacksmiths of Adikpo, Kwande LGA, who specialize in fabricating guns.
He stated that the two manufacturer were also arrested and would soon be charged to court.
“Other suspects include some suspected bandits and kidnappers. Information was received that dreaded armed bandits led by one Chen and Iorpuu Ayangeer blocked Tse-Kperse, Naindo-Zaki-Biam road and abducted one Aornen Kpor, a member of Benue State Volunteer Guard, who was travelling along the route to an unknown destination.
“During investigation, Vanen Mnyim and Adera Terseer both of Ngenev, Ukum LGA were arrested in connection with the case.
“The suspects confessed to the crime and led the Police team to a bush at Adogo village where the victim was killed and buried in a shallow grave. The corpse was exhumed and deposited at the hospital for autopsy and proper burial,while investigation is ongoing.
“Also, following reports of robbery attacks on Makurdi-Naka road, Police teams were emplaced to investigate and arrest suspects.The police trailed and arrested three gang members; Oryina Kumshi, Terzungwe, and Philip Tyohie in a hideout at Adeke area of Makurdi”.
He said the suspects confessed to have been involved in four robbery operations on Naka road and neighbouring communities that led to loss of live and property.
They, particularly, confessed to have been part of the robbery and killing of a female Youth Corps member, Irene Chioma Emmanuel, who they killed while she was trying to protect her laptop from being stolen.
“A knife and thee live ammunition were recovered from them while investigation is ongoing.
