By Peter Duru, Makurdi
Benue State Police Command has confirmed it lost a Police Inspector in an ambush by armed bandits while 12 of the criminals were eliminated in the ensuing gun battle in Agwabi, Tombo Ward of Buruku Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.
The Command in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent, CSP, Catherine Anene said its personnel were ambushed while on raids on criminal hideouts in parts of the state.
Anene noted that the Command embarked on the raid after it was noticed that criminal gangs were regrouping in the state.
The Command’s spokesman in the statement explained that on March 6, 2024, the Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet “had ordered Tactical Commanders and Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, to clamp down on criminals in the state during the usual monthly conference as he had noticed a regrouping of criminal gangs.
“In line with these directives, the Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce embarked on raids across the state, and on March 19, 2025, at about 2 am while some of the operatives were on their way to a criminal hideout at Agwabi, Tombo ward, Buruku LGA they ran into an ambush laid by the bandits who engaged the police in a fierce gun duel.
“In response, the police countered the ambush with more superior firepower that subdued the gang. At the end of the crossfire, 12 bandits were neutralised while others escaped.
“The injured bandits were taken to the hospital where they were confirmed dead and deposited at the hospital morgue. Items recovered from them include; three AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted charms.
“Unfortunately, one of the police team members; Inspector Terfa Anyiatse sustained a gunshot injury and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. His corpse has also been deposited at the morgue.
“While commiserating with family and friends of the deceased officer, the Police Commissioner prayed for the repose of his soul. He also extolled the courage of the operatives involved in the operation.
“Similarly, operations carried out around Daudu and Makurdi by various Divisions led to the recovery of seven locally made pistols, arrest of five suspected robbers and 32 suspected cultists. Investigation is ongoing.”
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