Hyacinth Chinweuba
As part of efforts to reduce crime in Benue State, the State Police Command, has deployed police Operatives to clamp down on cultist within the state as intelligence gathered revealed that most heinous crimes are linked to cultists.
According to spokesperson of the Command, DSP Anene Sewuese Catherine, “During the period under review; sixty (60) suspected cultists were arrested, four (4) locally made guns, five (5) axes, three (3) black and two (2) red berets, a pair of military camouflage trousers, P-cap bag , bulletproof jacket and other items were recovered from them.
Catherine said, “On 14th June, 2020 at about 0100hrs, eight (8) suspects who are suspected to be members of different cult groups were arrested at different locations in Makurdi Metropolis. Two Dane guns, packs of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, a pair of military Camouflage trousers, two berets and assorted charms were recovered from them.”
Similarly, “On 15th June 2020 at about 0300hrs, one Ogenyi Okeke ‘m’ also known as Smooky of North-Bank and seventeen (17) other suspects were arrested within North bank area. Three (3) axes, one military Camouflage hat, two (2) other hats and three (3) desert boots were recovered from them. On the same date, one Eze Mathew and four (4) others were also arrested at High level and one locally made pistol was recovered from them.
“On 20th June, 2020 at about 0200hrs one Timothy Tsegba and one other were arrested at New GRA, Makurdi. One axe, one military Camouflage bulletproof jacket and bag, one red and one black beret were recovered from them.
“On 21st June, 2020 Raymond Ortese ‘m’ and twenty-six (26) other suspects were arrested within old bridge, Wadata. One locally made revolver pistol, one camouflage p-cap and two (2) black berets were recovered from them.” the PPRO said.
The Command assured members of the public that it is committed to the fight criminality in the state and will appreciate every useful information that will assist in the apprehension and prosecution of offenders.
The Command also advised parents and guardians to carefully watch over their
wards to prevent cult cases recorded in the state.