The Benue State Police Command has successfully dismantled multiple bandit camps along the Makurdi–Yelewata and Makurdi–Naka highways, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Dr. Ifeanyi Emenari, has revealed.
Emenari made the disclosure in Makurdi during a courtesy visit by members of the Forum of Investigative Journalists, led by Tamenor Kwaghzer, to the Command Headquarters.
He explained that the existence of these camps had previously encouraged criminals to target motorists and local residents, but their recent destruction has led to a significant drop in violent incidents.
“The clearance operations brought a sharp decline in cases of robbery and killings along the highways, though occasional attacks are still being recorded from suspected herders who sneak into the state,” he said.
The Commissioner urged residents to assist security agencies with credible information to help identify what he described as “enemies of the people.”
Addressing the recent incident on the Makurdi–Naka road, Emenari clarified that it was an attempted armed robbery and not a kidnapping, as earlier reported.
He attributed the crime to the poor condition of the road but noted that police operatives successfully repelled the attack during a routine patrol.
Commenting on the killing of four individuals in Jato Aka, Kwande Local Government Area, the Commissioner suggested that stray bullets from a confrontation between soldiers and criminals could have caused the deaths.
He confirmed that investigations are ongoing and additional personnel have been deployed to the area.
“Crime cannot be totally eliminated, but with cooperation between residents and security agencies, peace could be sustained,” he emphasized.
“As the Ember months approach, we have prioritized the protection of lives and property. It is better to live in peace than in crisis,” he added.
