Commissioner of Police, Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, has said his command is poised to tackle escalating insecurity: “We arrested 27 suspected armed robbers, kidnappers and cultists.”
He spoke at the Inspector General of Police (IGP) conference in Abuja recently: “My vision is to focus on proactive initiations designed to deny safe haven to criminal elements. The command has undertaken a comprehensive reassessment of its crime prevention strategies with community policing serving as the foundation element.
“We have deployed more tactical operatives to Yelwata in Guma Local Government to support ongoing security operation and to end the attacks and killings. The IGP, Olukayode Egbetokun, visited the state to commiserate with Governor Hyacinth Tormem Alia condemning the killing as senseless and an act of terrorism. He assured the government and people of the state of the police firm commitment to restoring peace and bringing the perpetrators to face the law.
“The IGP charged officers and pledged enhanced welfare and logistics reaffirming the police officers resolve to secure Benue and called for calm and operation for residents as security efforts intensify. With other sister security agencies, we will flush out terrorists from the state.
“I have charged officers to uphold the highest standard of professionalism, discipline, dedication, integrity and transparency in the course of their duties. The suspects arrested have been charged to court while others are still under investigation.
“Police tactical team arrested two suspected armed robbers. They attacked and snatched AK47 rifles from Immigration officers at Jato-Aka, Kwande LG. Police 80 PMF mobile in Odugbo repelled attacks in Ankpali community.
“Operatives arrested suspected armed robbers terrorising Dam community in Tse-Agberagba Konshisha LG.
“Police Divisional Office, Logo, rescued kidnap victims while suspects escaped with bullet wounds. Police 11 PMF mobile officers stationed at Tor-Donga arrested two suspected armed robbers involved in banditry activities, ravaging Sankara axis.
“Police Tactical Team and Area commander, Kastina-Ala, arrested 11 suspected bandit herdsmen and cattle rustlers at Nagu community, Gbise and recovered a Mercedes Benz truck. Police Divisional Office, Ukum, also arrested four suspected bandits who stormed the village intimidating and stealing foodstuffs and other valuables from house-to-house.
“Police tactical team neutralised three bandits terrorising Nagu, Kastina-Ala LG and recovered AK47 rifles and 16 rounds of ammunition. Operatives arrested five suspected bandits terrorising Tine–Nune axis, Ukum LG.
“We have appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and stakeholders to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with security agencies in identifying and apprehending those behind heinous crimes.”