The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a notorious bandit, Terkaa Samuel, during a gun battle with operatives in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, said the suspect, an indigene of Jandekyula in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State was neutralised on Wednesday after police intercepted a planned kidnapping operation around the Channel Two axis of Zaki-Biam.
Edet disclosed that actionable intelligence had alerted the command to the presence of armed bandits in the area who were allegedly plotting to abduct a hotelier. Acting swiftly on the information, a patrol team from the Ukum Division was deployed to the location.
According to the police, the operatives came under heavy fire upon encountering the suspects, forcing them to respond with what Edet described as “superior firepower.” During the exchange, one of the bandits was fatally wounded.
Items recovered from the deceased included a locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol, two rounds of live 9mm ammunition, and a bag containing charms believed to be used for criminal operations.
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The injured suspect was rushed to the General Hospital in Zaki-Biam, where he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor. He was later identified as Terkaa Samuel, said to be a well-known bandit who had operated across parts of Benue and Taraba states.
In a related development, the police spokesperson revealed that operatives of the Jato-Aka Division also quelled a violent clash between two rival cult groups identified as Red and Black on the same day.
The cult violence reportedly claimed the lives of two persons, while several others sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Edet said eight suspects were arrested in connection with the clash, adding that police recovered one locally made pistol, an expended cartridge, two axes and two machetes from the suspects.
She further stated that the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, has reassured residents of the command’s resolve to sustain aggressive policing and protect lives and property across the state.
