Police kill wanted armed robber, assassin in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a wanted suspected armed robber and assassin identified simply as Saater during a gun duel with operatives in Makurdi, the state capital.

The suspect, who had been on the command’s wanted list for several months, was allegedly behind the killing of a local hunters’ commander and his wife in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area of the state.

Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said the suspect met his end at the weekend after opening fire on a team of detectives who attempted to arrest him.

“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,” Edet stated.

“He engaged the police team in a shootout but was subdued and arrested.”

The statement explained that the suspect sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter and was rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), where he was later confirmed dead.

His remains, according to the police, have been deposited at the hospital’s morgue.

DSP Edet said the late suspect had been declared wanted for his alleged role in the assassination of Aondoakaa Yayol, Commander of the Local Hunters’ Association, who was shot dead on June 20, 2025, as well as the killing of Yayol’s wife, Mrs. Kashimana Yayol, on February 11, 2023, both in Wannune.

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

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, while commending the operatives for their swift action, warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face similar consequences.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police formation.

“The command remains resolute in safeguarding lives and property across Benue State,” he added.