The Benue State Police Command has successfully eliminated two notorious bandits in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) of the state and seized weapons in the process.
This information was disclosed in a statement released on Wednesday in Makurdi by the State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene.
Anene explained in the statement that the Police Command had received intelligence regarding the reassembly of bandits in De-Mtsa village, Katsina-Ala, with intentions for criminal activities.
She further mentioned that a team from Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF), under the leadership of ASP Felix Nomiyugh, promptly launched an operation in the area, resulting in the neutralization of two bandits following a fierce gunfight.
“Upon arrival at the scene, on March 27, the bandits engaged the police in a gun duel, but a superior fire power from the operatives dislodged them.
“Consequently, while two of the bandits sustained gunshot injuries and were confirmed dead at the hospital, one was arrested and the others escaped with wounds, but they are currently being trailed by the operatives.
“Exhibits recovered from the scene include one type 06 Rifle, three AK-47 magazines loaded with 7.6mm ammunition, 80 other ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted phones,” the spokesman said.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emmanuel Adesina, was also quoted in the statement, commending the officers for their courage and urging them to consistently confront criminals head-on.
He further encouraged the residents of the state to continuously provide the Police with valuable and timely information.
It was reported by NAN that those eliminated were members of the notorious gang led by Terwase Akwaza, alias Ghana, who was previously killed in a similar operation.
Prior to their demise, the gang’s members had instilled fear in Abaji, Tor Donga, and other nearby villages in Katsina-Ala.
For over a decade, Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Ukum LGAs have been grappling with relentless banditry.
Despite concerted security efforts in the region and the demise of Ghana, the area has yet to experience significant relief.
