From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Benue State Police has cracked down a five man cult/armed robbery syndicate group operating around Kighir, Kanshio and Adeke community, Makurdi, Benue State capital.
A statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations’ Officer SP Catherine Anene on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Bartholomew Onyeka said the arrest of the members was made possible following credible intelligence gathered about the syndicate group by officers from Operation Zenda JTF who stormed their hideouts for raid.
She said on sighting the police, the group engaged the police in an exchange of fire and in the process, one of the armed robbers sustained gunshot injuries, and was rushed to Teaching Hospital Makurdi where he was receiving treatment before he died.
Anene said other gang members arrested include; Tersoo Godwin Akatakpo aka “ General “, Gowon Akatakpo, Ikya Chahul Atseriyol and Terver Iortimdee, adding that the suspects confessed that they are members of Junior Vickings confraternity ( JVC ) as well as armed robbers.
Acdording to her,items recovered from them include; one (1) single barrel gun, two (2) locally made pistols, five (5) live cartridges, four (4) expanded empty shells of cartridges, two (2) dane guns, one red baret with JVC logo and three handsets suspected to be stolen.
