13 dead as police, bandits exchange gunfire in Benue

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Twelve bandits harassing the state’s Buruku Local Government Area have been neutralized, according to the Benue Police Command.

The information was revealed in a statement released in Makurdi on Thursday by SP Sewuese Anene, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO.

Insp. Terfa Anyiatse, a member of the command, was tragically killed during a gunfight with the robbers, according to Anene.

According to the PPRO, on March 6, Steve Yabanet, the Commissioner of Police, gave divisional police officers and tactical commanders orders to crack down on state criminals.

According to Anene, the leadership had to issue the order after spotting a criminal gang reorganizing.

According to her, the Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce started conducting raids around the state after receiving the orders.

She claims that some of the operatives were traveling to a criminal hideaway in Agwabi, Tombo Ward, Buruku LGA, on March 19, when they encountered an ambush set up by the bandits, who engaged the police in a heated gunfight.

“The police countered the ambush with superior firepower that subdued the gang.

“At the end of the crossfire, 12 bandits were neutralized, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“The bandits were taken to a hospital, where they were confirmed dead, and the corpses were deposited at the hospital mortuary.

“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, Insp. Terfa Anyiatse, sustained a gunshot injury and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. His corpse has also been deposited at the morgue,” she said.

The CP offered prayers for the departed officer’s soul’s rest and expressed sympathy to his family and friends.

He also praised the bravery of the operation’s participants.

“Similarly, operations carried out around Daudu and Makurdi by various divisions led to the recovery of seven locally made pistols and the arrest of five suspected robbers and 32 suspected cultists,” she added.

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