A suspected kingpin, identified as Terkaa Samuel, has been shot dead by operatives of the Benue State Police Command during an exchange of gunfire in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident yesterday in a statement issued in Makurdi.
She said officers of the Ukum Division stormed Channel Two area on Wednesday following intelligence reports that a group of armed men was plotting to abduct a popular hotelier.
“On sighting the police team, the suspects opened fire.
Our operatives responded decisively, and one of the attackers was fatally injured,” Edet explained.
Recovered items included a locally fabricated Beretta pistol, two live 9mm rounds and a bag containing charms.
The wounded suspect, later confirmed dead at the General Hospital, Zaki-Biam, was identified as Terkaa Samuel of Jandekyula in Wukari LGA, Taraba State.
In a related development, the command said two persons were killed in Jato-Aka, Kwande LGA, following a confrontation between rival cult groups known locally as the Red and Black confraternities.
Eight suspects were arrested after police intervened, while several injured victims were taken to hospital.
Officers recovered a locally made pistol, machetes, axes and an expended cartridge from the scene.
READ ALSO
- Police arrest 12-year-old, two others over suspected cult initiation
- 2027: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Opens PBAT Door-to-Door movement HQ, rallies supporters
- 2026 U-17 WWC: Flamingos overcome North Korea to seal Round of 16 spot
- Tope Alabi Threatens Legal Action Against Online Defamation
- Boniface targets loan move away from Bayer Leverkusen
Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to flushing out violent criminal gangs, urging residents to support security operations with timely information.
