From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Benue State Police Command has arrested 15 persons suspected to be involved in arms manufacturing.
Amongst them are teenagers aged 13 years old who were arrested at a training ground along Adikpo-Vandeikya road.
A press statement signed by the Command Public Relations’ Officer SP Catherine Anene while parading the suspects on Tuesday November 28, 2023, said the Police busted the hideout of the syndicate on 15 November,2023.
According to her, “Following information gathered about arm dealers along Adikpo – Vandeikya road, police detectives were deployed to the area to clamp down on the syndicate.
“On 15/11/2023 at about 1620hrs, the team busted their hideout and arrested one Fater Terkula Sunday and Jem Demesugh. On the spot search of the hideout led to the recovery of six (6) locally fabricated barretta pistols and a motorcycle.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of Ternenge kpamngu, Terkula Ihyungwa also known as Japan, Aondo kusugh, chukwudi udeh and nine others. Additional exhibits recoverd from them include; one locally made barretta pistol, two gas cylinders, one welding cylinder, two welding nozzles and a Sienna bus.
“Suspects confessed that they have been in the business of producing and selling arms as well as training teenagers on arms Manufacturing”.
In another vein, the police arrested a pregnant woman and six other suspected ritualists in Makurdi, the State capital.
The suspect were said to have arrived the town from Delta State to carry out their nefarious act when they were apprehended.
“On 21/11/2023 at about 1900hrs while a police team was on routine patrol along Barracks road, Makurdi, information was received that one Godspower Oghenerumu, a suspected ritualist (yahoo yahoo), his pregnant wife and five others had arrived Makurdi from Delta state and were carrying out ritual activities. The team rushed to the scene and arrested the spiritual leader, his wife and five others.
“During investigation, followers of the ritualist stated that they were involved in some ritual activities in Delta state that did not yield any money as promised, so Godspower told them that the spirit had directed that they should move to Benue where further directives will be given to them on how money will be manufactured. Investigation is ongoing”, the Police Spokesperson said.
