In a ferocious battle along the Vaase-Chito Road in Ukum Local Government Area, the Benue State Police Command was able to foil a planned armed robbery and murder three of the alleged perpetrators.
According to security authorities, the event took place at approximately 2:48 a.m. on June 8. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Gbeji Division had received reports of armed persons, thought to be bandits, mugging and stealing from travellers along the road.
The DPO sent a patrol team and some Community Volunteer Guards to the area after receiving the information.
The sources claim that the gun war began as soon as the armed suspects saw the approaching security personnel and began firing.
Three assailants were neutralised by the joint security team’s superior firepower response. According to reports, some of the victims were dressed in camouflage outfits from the military.
According to security sources, some of the gang members who rode away on motorcycles may have suffered gunshot wounds.
One AK-47 rifle, twenty-one rounds of live ammo, and a motorbike were seized by security personnel during the operation.
The objects that were discovered have been preserved by the police as evidence for future examination.
Afterwards, the Gbeji Hospital Mortuary was notified and the bodies of the deceased suspects were removed for post-mortem investigation.
While attempts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the fugitives, police officials have revealed that the case has been forwarded to the State Criminal inquiry Department (CID) for additional inquiry.
As part of their continuing efforts to combat violent crimes in Benue State, such as armed robbery and banditry, security services have launched this operation.