The Benue State Police Command said they have arrested 24 suspects for sundry crimes including manufacturing and selling guns, armed robbery and ritual activities in the state.

The suspects include a spiritual leader and his pregnant wife whose first at the ritual activity in Delta state failed to yield the desired results

The State Commissioner of Police, CP George Chuku, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday.

The Commissioner explained that “On 21/11/2023 at about 1900hrs while a police team was on routine patrol along Barracks road, Makurdi, information was received that one Godspower Oghenerumu, a suspected ritualist (yahoo yahoo), his pregnant wife and five others had arrived Makurdi from Delta state and were caring out ritual activities.

“The team rushed to the scene and arrested the spiritual leader, his wife and five others.

“During investigation, followers of the ritualist stated that they were involved in some ritual activities in Delta state that did not yield any money as promised, so Godspower told them that the spirit had directed that they should move to Benue where further directives will be given to them on how money will be manufactured. Investigation is ongoing.”

The Commissioner said the arm dealers were arrested after police detectives were deployed to Adikpo – Vandeikya road, clamped down on the syndicates following information gathered about arm dealers along the area.

According to him, “On 15/11/2023 at about 1620hrs, the team busted their hideout and arrested one Fater Terkula Sunday and Jem Demesugh .

“On the spot search of the hideout led to the recovery of six locally fabricated barretta pistols and a motorcycle.”

He explained that further investigation led to the arrest of Ternenge kpamngu, Terkula Ihyungwa also known as Japan, Aondo kusugh, Chukwudi Udeh and nine others.

He noted that additional exhibits were recovered from them including one locally made barretta pistol, two gas cylinders, one welding cylinder, two welding nozzles and a Sienna bus.

He said the suspects confessed that they have been in the business of producing and selling arms as well as training teenagers on arms manufacturing.

According to him, teenagers of less than 13 years were also arrested at the training ground.

He also disclosed that On 23/11/2023 at about 2000hrs, information was received at ‘E’ Division Makurdi that one Mr. Misaq Eke of Mbakiya village, Ugondo District, Makurdi was robbed and his belongings carted away.

He said during investigation, one Ushahemba Ayoough and Jeremiah Ugborgo were arrested in connection with the case and one locally fabricated barretta pistol was recovered from them.

According to him, the suspects confessed to have gone for the robbery with two other gang members who are currently at large.

He said effort are put in place to arrest the remaining suspects. (Daily Sun)

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