13 dead as police, bandits exchange gunfire in Benue

The Police Command in Benue says it has neutralized 12 bandits terrorizing the Buruku Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Sewuese Anene, made the disclosure in a statement on Thursday in Makurdi.

Anene said that the command unfortunately lost one of its personnel, Insp. Terfa Anyiatse, during an exchange of gunfire with the bandits.

The PPRO stated that the Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, had on March 6 ordered tactical commanders and divisional police officers to clamp down on criminals in the state.

Anene said that the order became necessary when the command noticed a regrouping of criminal gangs.

She said that following the directives, the Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce embarked on raids across the state.

According to her, on March 19, while some of the operatives were on their way to a criminal hideout at Agwabi, Tombo Ward, Buruku LGA, they ran into an ambush laid by the bandits, who engaged the police in a fierce gun duel.

“The police countered the ambush with superior firepower that subdued the gang.

“At the end of the crossfire, 12 bandits were neutralized, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“The bandits were taken to a hospital, where they were confirmed dead, and the corpses were deposited at the hospital mortuary.

“Items recovered from them include three AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and assorted charms.

“Unfortunately, one of the police team members, Insp. Terfa Anyiatse, sustained a gunshot injury and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. His corpse has also been deposited at the morgue,” she said.

The CP commiserated with the family and friends of the deceased officer and prayed for the repose of his soul.

He also extolled the courage of the operatives involved in the operation.

“Similarly, operations carried out around Daudu and Makurdi by various divisions led to the recovery of seven locally made pistols and the arrest of five suspected robbers and 32 suspected cultists,” she added.

13 dead as police, bandits exchange gunfire in Benue