Benue: Police confirm death of wanted bandit during shootout

The Benue State Police Command has announced the death of a well-known bandit, Terkaa Samuel, who hailed from Jandekyula in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, released the confirmation on Thursday in Makurdi.

According to her, Samuel was gunned down on Wednesday during a shootout with operatives around Channel Two in Zaki-Biam, Ukum LGA of Benue.

She explained that the Command had earlier received intelligence indicating that armed criminals were converging in the Channel Two axis with plans to abduct a hotel operator in the community. In response, officers from the Ukum Division were dispatched to the scene.

“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.”

She added that a locally made Beretta pistol, two live 9mm rounds and a bag filled with charms were recovered from the suspect. The injured bandit was immediately taken to the General Hospital in Zaki-Biam, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead. He was later identified as Terkaa Samuel.

Edet further disclosed that officers attached to the Jato-Aka Division also responded to a violent confrontation between two rival cult groups the Red and Black confraternities on the same day. The clash claimed two lives, while several others were wounded and taken to nearby hospitals.

During the operation, eight suspects were apprehended, and security personnel recovered a locally made pistol, an expended cartridge, as well as two axes and two machetes.

She added that Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, reiterated the Command’s firm resolve to protect residents and maintain security across the state.