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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command said it has killed a notorious bandit in a security operation carried out by its operatives in the Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
Following the operations, the police also arrested suspected cultists in Jato-Aka, Kwande LGA, recovering arms and dangerous weapons.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet.
The Commissioner explained that “On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at about 10:30 hours, operatives attached to Jato-Aka Division responded to a violent clash between rival cult groups known as Red and Black.
“The clash resulted in the death of two male persons, while other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
“During the operation, some suspects were arrested in connection with the incident including Mvaater Adebo, Pineter Akurayati, Daniel Ese, Samuel Kwaghzer, Isaac Iorapul, Terungwa Tertese, Aondonenge Aper and Ternenge Aondokura.
“The suspects were also arrested with one locally fabricated pistol, one expended cartridge, two axes and two machetes.
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“Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects involved in the cult-related violence.
“In a related development on the same date, at about 11:43 hours, credible intelligence was received indicating that a group of armed bandits had been sighted around Channel Two, Zaki-Biam, Ukum LGA, with plans to kidnap a hotelier within the area.
“Acting swiftly on the information, a patrol team attached to Ukum Division was immediately deployed to the location. Upon sighting the police operatives, the bandits opened fire. The patrol team responded with superior firepower, during which one of the bandits sustained fatal gunshot injuries.
“During the operation, one locally fabricated Beretta pistol, two rounds of live 9mm ammunition and one bag containing charms were recovered from the suspect.
“The injured bandit was rushed to General Hospital, Zaki-Biam, where he was confirmed dead by the attending medical doctor. The deceased was later identified as Terkaa Samuel, a notorious bandit from Jandekyula, Wukari LGA of Taraba State.”
The Commissioner said additional patrol and tactical teams have been deployed to the surrounding areas to trace and arrest the fleeing bandits who escaped with possible gunshot injuries. He said the operation is ongoing and further updates will be communicated as developments unfold.
CP Emenari reassured the Benue people of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and encouraged members of the public to continue to support the police with timely and credible information that can aid crime prevention and detection.
