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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
A 29-year-old man has been arrested by men of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, (BSCVG), in Wadata area of Makurdi, the state capital.
The suspect, Ochoepo Aledu, was arrested with illegal fire arm on December 26, 2023, at about 8pm.
Our correspondent gathered that the suspect who fled when arrested, had interfered with the apprehension of a group of persons in the neighbourhood who were taking some substances suspected to be “Ice” and weed, also known as Indian hemp.
The suspects who demanded that they should be freed became aggressive as the situation degenerated leading to a fisticuff.
While he was being pursued, the suspect ran into a nearby shop. It was while running that he mistakenly dropped a gun he attempted to use to shoot and scare the operatives.
But luck ran out on him when one of the operatives gave him a hot chase, grabbed and pinned him down before others came to support him.
The suspect, Ochoepu, hails from Apa Local Government Area of the state. He is a mechanic, operating at the Wadata mechanic village, and married with a child.
Speaking with newsmen during his parade at the headquarters of the Community Volunteer Guard in Makurdi, Ochoepu denied ownership of the gun that fell from him before he was apprehended.
The Commander, Benue State of the guards, Capt Ayomi Ajovbi (rtd), who paraded the suspects alleged that he seemed to be a cultist from his behaviour and action, adding that he would be handed over to the relevant authority for further investigation and prosecution.
Capt Ajovbi, further said that his men would continue to contribute to efforts aimed at tackling criminal elements whose activities continue to pose a threat to residents in the state.
He recalled that the state had launched a campaign against cultism, violence and other crime-related activities which were championed by the Special Adviser to Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, (PSP).
The commander warned that anyone out to cause trouble would not go free as his men were everywhere in the communities to complement the efforts of other security agencies to ensure that crime was nipped in the bud during and after the Yuletide season.
