FIC Report (Benue State) – The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Steve H. Yabanet, FCID, PSC, has reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime in the state. Speaking at a press briefing in Makurdi on Tuesday, 11th February 2025, he emphasized that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of lives and property.
He noted the relative peace the state has enjoyed in recent times but warned that certain miscreants are attempting to create tension and unrest. He assured the public that such activities will not be tolerated, highlighting recent achievements in crime-fighting efforts as follows:
1. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTISTS
Through the cooperation of residents in Wadata Community, the police have significantly reduced cult-related activities in the area. However, on 9th February 2025, at about 1530 hours, information was received about renewed cult clashes between members of the Black Confraternity and Red Confraternity across the River Benue.
Upon investigation, three (3) corpses were recovered at the scene, and ten (10) suspects were arrested. The arrested individuals are:
Simon Mande
Moses Tarlumun
Jamilu Idris
Seleki Joseph
Ahmed Dayabu
Muazu Usman
Akor Ada
Terfa Wergba
Almustapha Abubakar
Usman Gambo
All the suspects are male residents of Wadata. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other individuals involved. Parents, teachers, and community leaders are urged to caution young people against involvement in unlawful associations.
2. ARREST OF SUSPECT FOR CHILD TRAFFICKING
Following a report of a missing child in Northbank, Makurdi, the police disseminated information to the public for assistance. On 9th February 2025, officers at ‘E’ Division, Makurdi received a tip-off about a man seen with a young boy whose origin he could not explain.
The suspect, identified as Obadiah Samaila (male) of Kizito Junction, Agyaragu, Doma LGA, Nasarawa State, was promptly arrested along George Akume Way, Makurdi. Upon interrogation, he confessed to stealing the child from his home in Northbank for trafficking purposes.
3. ARREST OF SUSPECTED VANDALS
On 6th February 2025, at about 1500 hours, officers from Naka Division, while on patrol along Makurdi-Naka Road, intercepted a Nissan truck loaded with iron pipelines suspected to have been stolen.
The following suspects were arrested:
Idris Garba
Mohammed Usman
Ibrahim Mohammed
Rafa Muazu (all male, residents of Lafia, Nasarawa State)
Sunday Demekaa (male, resident of Gwer-East LGA)
Investigations revealed that the pipelines were petroleum infrastructure vandalized in Gwer LGA and were being transported to an unknown destination. Further investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals involved in this criminal act.
4. ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS
On 7th February 2025, at about 0830 hours, intelligence was received about an armed robbery gang operating around Yogbo Village, Guma LGA. Officers from Daudu Division conducted a successful raid in the area, leading to the arrest of:
Yakubu Kantoma (male, 32 years old)
Abu Ishaku (male, 25 years old)
Both suspects are residents of Sekereke, Yogbo Village. One of their victims has positively identified them, and investigations are ongoing to uncover more details about their activities.
The Benue State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For: Head of Centre, Makurdi
