Four dead in Benue police, bandits gun battle

By Emmanuel Antswen

Four suspected armed bandits have been killed by in police operatives of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) at a checkpoint in Orakam, Ogbadibo Local Area of Benue State.

The gunmen, in a black gold car had resisted the attempt by the police operatives to search their vehicle, spokesperson for Benue Command DSP Edet Udeme said in a statement in Makurdi.

According to her, the officers while on duty on Thursday stopped a black Golf vehicle, but occupants of the vehicle tried to stop them from performing their job.

But she claimed that in a desperate attempt to evade arrest, two of the suspects removed AK-47 rifles and opened fire on the personnel.

She said this led to the engagement in which the four armed bandits were neutralised.

The Benue Police Command spokesperson however added that one armed suspect fled into a nearby bush.

Udeme added that police operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing 15 rounds of live ammunition, the vehicle and assorted charms after the encounter.

She said efforts were ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing armed suspect.

She said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, has commended the bravery and operational efficiency of the officers and reassured the public of the Command’s commitment to safeguard lives and property across the state.

(NAN)