The Benue State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 42 armed herdsmen and local bandits in various communities across the state in a renewed crackdown on criminal activities.
Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, made the disclosure while briefing journalists in Makurdi, noting that most of the suspects arrested over the last month have already been charged to court.
He further revealed that about 20 armed herders had been remanded and were currently awaiting trial, while several other suspects remain under investigation.
According to Emenari, tactical police teams have been deployed into the forests and rural communities notorious for violent attacks, particularly in Apa, Gwer West, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Agatu, and Guma Local Government Areas.
“We have a mandate to ensure that these communities are safe for the people to return to their homes and resume farming activities,” the commissioner stated. “In the last one month, we have arrested 42 armed herdsmen and local bandits from these communities. Most of them have been charged to court. We also have about 10 herdsmen who have been remanded by the courts during their trial. Others are still being investigated and will face prosecution once investigations are concluded.”
The police also recovered two AK-47 rifles and 21 locally fabricated firearms from the suspects.
Commissioner Emenari emphasized that the command had also intensified operations against cult-related violence. “We have taken the fight to cult gangs in the state. That is why we have not recorded any cult-related attacks in the last one month since I assumed office,” he said.
Assuring residents of the command’s commitment to restoring peace and security across Benue, Emenari urged communities to support the police through cooperation and timely sharing of information.
He also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his unwavering support for the state police command, assuring that the governor’s vision for a peaceful and secure Benue would be realized.
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