The Benue State Police Command has arrested 42 armed herdsmen and local bandits over the past month for their involvement in killings and other criminal activities across the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, revealed this to journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday evening. He confirmed that the police have already charged most of the suspects to court.
According to Emenari, courts have remanded about 20 of the arrested armed herdsmen who are now awaiting trial, while investigators continue to interrogate the others.
After inspecting several Local Government Areas (LGAs), Emenari reported that farming has come to a halt in many communities, with farmlands now deserted.
In response, the command deployed tactical teams to track down and confront those responsible for the violence and displacement. “Our teams are combing the bushes across Apa, Gwer West, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Agatu, and Guma LGAs,” he said.
He emphasized the command’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring that displaced residents return to their homes and farmlands.
“In the past month, we arrested 42 armed herdsmen and local bandits from affected communities and charged most of them to court,” Emenari stated. “The courts have also remanded around 10 herdsmen, while we continue investigating others before filing charges.”
Police operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles and 21 locally made firearms from the suspects.
The Commissioner also reported that the command has cracked down on cult gangs, which has led to a month without any cult-related attacks since he assumed office.
He pledged to restore peace and urged residents in both rural and urban areas to support the police in protecting lives and property.
Emenari praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for his continued support and expressed confidence in the state government’s commitment to achieving lasting peace and security.
