Police kill suspected assassin of hunters’ commander in Benue

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has announced the death of one Saater of Wannune, Tarka Local Government of the state, who had been on the Command’s wanted list for his alleged involvement in the assassination of the Hunters’ Commander, Aondoakaa Yayol.

The state  Commissioner of Police( CP)Ifeanyi Emenari  in a statement signed by the  Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Udeme Edet, said Saater had murdered the Hunters’ Commander occurred on June 20, 2025.

The suspect was also strongly linked to the earlier murder of the Commander’s wife, Mrs. Kashimana Yayol, on  February 11 , 2023, both incidents having occurred in Wannune. He had gone into hiding following these crimes.

“However, on October 18, 2025, credible intelligence revealed that the suspect had clandestinely returned to Makurdi with plans to carry out further attacks.

“Acting swiftly on this information, a team of detectives was deployed to apprehend him around George Akume Way, Makurdi. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect opened fire on them. The police responded appropriately and succeeded in subduing and arresting him.

“During the encounter, the suspect sustained gunshot injuries and was immediately taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) for treatment, where he was later confirmed dead. His corpse has since been deposited at the hospital morgue,” Emenari said.

He said one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated short gun, several 7.62mm live

ammunition, cartridges, seven SIM cards suspected to have been stolen were recovered from the suspect.

The Commissioner advised all residents to desist from criminal activities and to promptly report any suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station or any other security agency within their vicinity.

He restated that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Benue State.