The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two unidentified persons caught with human parts in the state.
Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, announced this on Thursday during a press conference held in Makurdi, the state capital.
He explained that the suspects were apprehended on October 22 in Okpokwu Local Government Area by operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard before being handed over to the police.
According to him, “The suspects were arrested for being in possession of a human head, lap, and heart,” adding that they have since been charged to court following investigations.
Ifeanyi disclosed that between mid-September and the end of October, the Command arrested 181 suspects for offences ranging from armed robbery and cultism to banditry, culpable homicide, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Within the same period, he said the police recorded 14 incidents of homicide, 12 armed robberies, four kidnappings, 16 banditry and terrorism-related attacks, and three cult-related crimes across the state.
The CP added that 15 firearms, 67 rounds of ammunition and cartridges, and three stolen vehicles were recovered, while 23 kidnapped victims were rescued.
“Sustained clearance operations and raids on bandit hideouts in the Sankera axis (Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo LGAs) led to the arrest of over 70 suspects linked to banditry.
“These operations have disrupted criminal networks, destroyed camps, and facilitated the return of locals to their homes and farms.
“Coordinated raids on criminal black spots in Otukpo and Ohimini LGAs on 25th October led to the arrest of 39 suspected armed robbers believed to be part of a gang that had previously attacked security personnel,” he stated.
Ifeanyi also announced that 445 officers within the command had been promoted and commended their efforts in maintaining peace.
He appreciated the synergy between the police and other security agencies, particularly Operation Whirl Stroke and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, for their collaboration in restoring safety in the state.
Meanwhile, the Command is investigating recent killings in Ado and Ohimini Local Government Areas, where about five persons were reportedly murdered by armed herders earlier in the week.
Police spokesperson Udeme Edet confirmed the incident, saying, “The command is on top of the situation and has commenced an investigation into the incidents.”
(NAN)
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