Our reporter
Police operatives have apprehended Martin Akunu, the 37-year-old spiritual leader of a notorious seven-man armed robbery gang.
The arrest was made in Udei town, following a detailed investigation into a series of highway robberies along the Makurdi-Lafia road.
The Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Anene Sewuese, disclosed this in a statement released on Monday. The statement highlighted the pivotal moment in the investigation, which came with the arrest of 22-year-old Tersoo Dabo, a robbery suspect, on July 18, 2024, around 11:30 AM.
“On 18/7/2024 at about 1130hrs, one Tersoo Dabo ‘m’ 22yrs of Udei was trailed and arrested in connection with robberies along Makurdi-Lafia road,” SP Sewuese stated. During interrogation, Dabo confessed to being a member of the seven-man gang that had been terrorizing travelers on the highway.
In a subsequent raid, Martin Akunu was apprehended. Akunu, identified as the gang’s spiritual leader, was allegedly responsible for fortifying the gang members before they embarked on their criminal activities.
The police recovered significant evidence from Dabo, including a locally made double-barrel gun, 162 balls suspected to be local ammunition, and gunpowder. These items further implicated Dabo and provided crucial leads to dismantling the gang’s operations.
In a related development, the Benue State Police Command announced the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, Usman Hardo, from Keana, during a police patrol in Daudu on July 28, 2024. Hardo has been on the wanted list for various charges, including kidnapping and cattle rustling in Nasarawa State and the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
SP Sewuese confirmed that Hardo would face court proceedings once the investigation is concluded. The arrests mark a significant stride in the police’s efforts to curb crime in the region and bring perpetrators to justice.
The Benue State Police Command continues to urge the public to provide timely information that can aid in maintaining law and order, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in enhancing security.
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