The operatives of the Benue State Police Command have arrested at least 20 suspected criminals including 15 arms manufacturers in the state.
This was contained in a statement by the State Police Command’s Spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, on Wednesday in Makurdi, the state capital.
Anene disclosed that the arrested suspects were involved in different criminal activities that ranged from money rituals and illegal gun-running to armed robbery.
He stated further that the Command equally recovered seven locally fabricated barrel pistols and a motorcycle from the suspects.
He pointed out that the suspects were arrested during a police raid on their hideout along Adikpo-Vandeikya Road, following a tip-off.
“On 15th November, the team stormed their hideout and arrested one Fater Terkula and Jem Demesugh.
“An on-the-spot search of the hideout led to the recovery of the six locally-fabricated Beretta pistols and motorcycle,” Anene disclosed.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of Ternenge kpamngu, Terkula Ihyungwa also known as Japan, Aondo Kusugh, Chukwudi Udeh and nine others.
“Additional exhibits recovered from them include two gas cylinders, one welding cylinder, two welding nozzles and a Sienna bus.
“The suspects confessed that they have been in the business of producing and selling arms as well as training teenagers in arms manufacturing.
“Three teenagers of less than 13 years of age were also arrested at the training ground,” he said.
The PPRO added that the command also arrested two suspected armed robbers, after their victim, one Misaq Eke of Ugondo District, Makurdi, incidented the matter at E Police Division.
“During the investigation, one Ushahemba Ayoough and Jeremiah Ugborgo were arrested in connection with the case and one locally fabricated Beretta pistol was recovered from them.
“And during Police routine patrol along Barracks road, Makurdi, it received information that one Godspower Oghenerumu, a suspected ritualist (yahoo yahoo), his pregnant wife and five others had arrived in Makurdi from Delta and were carrying out ritual activities.
“The team rushed to the scene and arrested the spiritual leader, his wife and five others.
“During the investigation, followers of the ritualist stated that they were involved in some ritual activities in Delta 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 would be given to them on how money would be made.
“Investigation is ongoing, ”Anene added.
