From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
At least 9 persons have been arrested for cattle rustling in Benue State.
The State Police Commissioner Wale Abass disclosed this in a statement signed by Police Public Relations’ Officer SP Catherine Anene.
She said on 10th April, 2023, at about 1700hrs, men of Operation Zenda JTF on patrol in Guma Local Government Area, intercepted and arrested one Terwase Nyion aka Orjen and three (3) others while others fled from the scene.
According to her,investigation revealed that the syndicate usually conspire with criminal herders to rustle cattle, sell and share the proceeds.
“They usually go back to the same victims (herders) to deceive them that their cattle were rustled by farmers so as to create crises and have more opportunity to loot from innocent persons.
“Items recovered from them include: one (1) locally made pistol loaded with one round of 9mm live ammunition and four cows. Suspects confessed to be a vicious syndicate made up of herders & farmers.
“On 16th April,2023 at about 1700hrs, information was received that some hoodlums had attacked herders grazing in Tarka Local Government area and made away with some cattle. Police detectives in the area immediately stormed their hideout and arrested the following persons; Terdoo Tyo, Meryima Dziegh, Jimeshio Dziegh, Tahar Dziegh and Mercy Iyio who was already preparing cow meat in the kitchen.
“The Commissioner of Police Benue State Command, CP. Wale Abass condemned this mischievous act that instigate crises in the area. He called all stakeholders to collaborate with the police to ensure that peace is maintained.”
The CP also called on herders and farmers to report cases to the Police for proper handling rather than take laws into their hands.
