Benue Police neutralize wanted armed robber, assassin in Makurdi shootout

Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have killed a notorious armed robber and assassin known as Saater during a fierce gun duel in Makurdi, the state capital.

In a statement released on Monday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that the incident occurred over the weekend when police detectives attempted to apprehend the suspect, who responded with gunfire.

According to Edet, Saater who had been on the police wanted list for months was responsible for several violent crimes across the state, including the murder of a local hunters’ commander and his wife in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area.

Edet said that the late suspect was wanted for the assassination of Aondoakaa Yayol, Commander of the local hunters’ association, who was shot dead on June 20, 2025, and the killing of Yayol’s wife, Mrs. Kashimana Yayol, on February 11, 2023, both in Wannune.

“Acting on credible intelligence that the suspect had returned to Makurdi with plans to launch fresh attacks, detectives moved swiftly to apprehend him around George Akume Way. He engaged the police team in a shootout but was subdued and arrested,” the statement read.

The suspect reportedly sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and was taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), where he was later confirmed dead.

His remains have been deposited at the hospital morgue.

The police spokesperson listed items recovered from the deceased suspect to include one AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated shotgun, several 7.62mm live ammunition, cartridges, and seven SIM cards suspected to have been stolen.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, warned residents against criminal acts and report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation, assuring that the command remains resolute in safeguarding lives and property across the state.