3 armed bandits killed in gun battle with police in Benue

A gun battle between the Police and armed bandits at Tomatar forest in Imande Ukusuu Mbacher Council ward of Kastina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue state has left three of the gunmen dead.

In a statement made available to reporters, the state police spokesperson, DSP Catherine Anene, said the incident occurred on Wednesday, April 28. 

Corpses of the deceased who were confirmed dead by the doctors have been deposited at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi. Items recovered from them include two AK47 rifles loaded with 29 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, cutlasses, many substances suspected to be charming, and knives.

Anene said;

“On 28th April 2021 at about 0200hrs, an identified bandits camp at a forest in Tomatar Imande Ukusuu Mbacher Council ward,  Kastina-Ala Local Government Area was raided by operatives of Benue state Police command.

“During the operation, there was a prolonged exchange of gunfire between the police and bandits. Consequently, three of the bandits were arrested with bullet wounds while other suspects fled with injuries.

“The injured suspects were rushed to hospital but confirmed dead by the doctors. Corpses of the deceased have been deposited at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.”

The effort to arrest the other fleeing suspects is ongoing as the police have also urged residents to cooperate with the command by providing any useful information that will lead to the arrest of the suspects at large.