Heavy gun battle in Benue, two notorious bandits shot dead

The Police Command in Benue has neutralised two notorious bandits in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) of the State and recovered arms.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Makurdi, by the State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene.

Anene said the Police Command had acted on information about the regrouping of bandits at De-Mtsa village, Kastina-Ala, for nefarious activities.

According to him, a team from Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF), led by its Commander, ASP Felix Nomiyugh, swiftly invaded the area and neutralised two of the bandits during heavy gun battle.

“Upon arrival at the scene, on March 27, the bandits engaged the police in a gun duel, but a superior fire power from the operatives dislodged them.

“Consequently, while two of the bandits sustained gunshot injuries and were confirmed dead at the hospital, one was arrested and the others escaped with wounds, but they are currently being trailed by the operatives.

“Exhibits recovered from the scene include; one type 06 Rifle, three AK-47 magazines loaded with 7.6mm ammunition, 80 other ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted phones,” the spokesman said.

The statement further quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP. Emmanuel Adesina, as commending the officers for their bravery, urging them to always take the war to the door steps of the criminals.

The CP also urged the people of the state to always support the Police with useful and timely information.

Freelanews that those neutralised are members of the dreaded “killed” gang leader, Terwase Akwaza, a.k.a Ghana, who has since been killed in a similar operation.

The gang’s members before their death, terrorised Abaji, Tor Donga and other neighbouring villages in Katsina-Ala.

Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum LGAs have particularly faced unprecedented bandit activities for more than a decade, and in spite of the joint security operations in the area and the death of Gana, respite is yet to come.