Operatives of the Nigeria police in Benue State have gun down a suspected bandit, following a violent cult group that led to the death of two male persons during a cult clash in Jato-Aka Area.
Spokesperson of the police Command in the State, DSP Udeme Edet revealed on Thursday in a statement that the security operations by Jato-Aka Division operatives who responded to a violent clash between rival cult groups known as Red and Black, led to the recovery of arms and dangerous weapons.
“On Wednesday, 7th January 2026, at about 10:30 hours, operatives attached to Jato-Aka Division responded to a violent clash between rival cult groups known as Red and Black.
“The clash resulted in the death of two male persons, while other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
“During the operation, the following suspects were arrested in connection with the incident: Mvaater Adebo ‘M’, Pineter Akurayati ‘M’, Daniel Ese’M’, Samuel Kwaghzer’M’, Isaac Iorapul’M’, Terungwa Tertese’M’, Aondonenge Aper’M’, and Ternenge Aondokura ‘M’,” according to the police.
The statement said during the operation, a locally fabricated pistol along with an expended cartridge with two axes and two machetes were recovered by the police.
The statement further said, “efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects involved in the cult-related violence.
Same date, Wednesday, 7th January 2026, police operatives foiled attempted kidnap around Channel Two, Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area.
Acting swiftly on a credible intelligence received at about 11:43 hours, when a group of armed bandits had been sighted around the area with a plan to kidnap a hotelier within the area.
But a patrol team attached to Ukum Division was immediately deployed to the location, intercepted the criminal gang.
“Upon sighting the police operatives, the bandits opened fire. The patrol team responded with superior firepower, during which one of the bandits sustained fatal gunshot injuries”, police said a locally fabricated Beretta pistol, two (2) rounds of live 9mm ammunition and one bag containing charms were also recovered from the gang at the crime scene.
The injured bandit, according to the police, was rushed to General Hospital, Zaki-Biam, where he was confirmed dead by the attending medical doctor.
The statement further said the deceased was later identified as Terkaa Samuel ‘M’, a notorious bandit from Jandekyula, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Already, additional patrol and tactical teams have been deployed to the surrounding areas to trace and arrest the fleeing bandits who escaped with possible gunshot injuries. The operation is ongoing, and further updates will be communicated as developments unfold.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, reassures the good people of Benue State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
It also encouraged members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information that can aid crime prevention and detection across the State.
