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.
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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.
