Rose Ejembi, Makurdi
A gang of four suspected armed robbers are currently cooling their heels in the cell of the Benue State Police Command after their attempt to both rob and abduct a former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Steven Tsav, was foiled by the police.
Commissioner of Police Omololu Bishi, while parading the suspects – Joseph Wagh, Terwase Igba, Felix Uuma alias “YELLOW” and Danladi Gbanwa alias ‘DANFULANI – disclosed that on February 22, at about 7am, the duo invaded the residence of their victim at North-Bank Area of Makurdi.
Bishi said the criminal suspects stormed Tsav’s residence in a black Toyota Corolla “Duck Nyash” with the intent of kidnapping him.
“The victim raised alarm and the timely response by the Police patrol team led to the arrest of Joseph Wagh, ‘m’, and Terwase Igba, ‘m’, both of Daudu Area in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of other gang members. One Felix Uuma alias “YELLOW”and Danladi Gbanwa alias ‘DANFULANI” and recovery of one (1) Al(47 rifle loaded with (1) life ammunition. The suspects confessed to the crime and will soon be charged to court.”
In another development, a large cache of ammunition and assorted charms were last Thursday recovered in Katsina-Ala town in Benue State during an exchange if gunfire between the police and some suspected kidnappers.
In a statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, the incident happened at about 4:30pm that day, during a routine police patrol.
Anene noted that following information gathered, the police patrol team at Kastina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State engaged some hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers in an exchange of gunfire along Takum road.
“The hoodlums took to their heels, abandoning two bags containing 45 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 8 magazines of AK 47 rifle, a knife and assorted charms.”
“The State Commissioner of Police CP Omololu Bishi has expressed his desire to make Benue a crime-free state and is warning hoodlums who have refused to surrender their fire arms to the police to do so now or face the full wrath of the law when caught.
“He has also assured the good people of Benue State that he will ensure the safety of the state,” the PPRO stated.