The Benue State Police Command has arrested 273 people for serious crimes over the last eight months, with 250 of them already charged in court.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, on Monday in Makurdi. He outlined the efforts of the command in tackling crime between April and December 2024.
Yabanet revealed that the arrests covered various offences, including:
27 suspects for kidnapping, with 34 victims rescued.
54 suspects for armed robbery and the recovery of 20 firearms and 51 rounds of ammunition.
63 individuals for cult-related crimes and seven currently in custody awaiting court charges.
47 arrests for rape and 41 for cybercrime.
Six suspects linked to culpable homicide, alongside the recovery of one car, one tricycle, and 14 motorcycles.
One significant challenge noted by Yabanet was the rise in cultism. He said, “We have been actively fighting cultism in the state. Some suspects have been charged, while others are still in custody.”
Among the cultists apprehended were individuals from North Bank, Daudu, and Otukpo. He named some suspects, including Donald Aguma, Tyoshar Aondoaseer, and Benjamin Andrew Augustine, noting the recovery of a locally made pistol.
“These suspects will soon face court proceedings,” he added.
Yabanet also highlighted a disturbing trend of mob justice, particularly against elderly people accused of witchcraft.
“On December 24, an aged woman was killed over allegations of witchcraft in Egba village, Agatu Local Government Area. Investigations led to the arrest of two suspects, Bako Above, 50, and Oyaje Clement, 40,” the commissioner said.
The Commissioner called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to join efforts in combating crime, particularly cultism, through a balanced approach.
He also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, for their support of the command.
Yabanet assured residents of the police’s commitment to ensuring a safer Benue State.
