The Benue State Police Command said on Thursday it has arrested 18 suspects over their involvements in the violent destruction of properties in Ukum Local Government atrea, as they attempted to resist security operations.
Officers of the Command on guard duty, equally repelled an attempt by bandits to invade the Ukum Police Division during the Wednesday protest.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer for the Command, Sewuese Anene, said on the 3rd of July, 2024, information was received from the Ukum Police Division that suspected bandits had attacked a village in the Ayati community of Ukum LGA, where six persons were killed.
According to the statement, Police teams were immediately deployed to prevent further attacks as Ukum is a boundary area between Benue and Taraba State, which has been a turbulent area in the State.
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The PPRO added that at about 0800hrs, violent protesters in hundreds began a protest, sponsored by criminals to unleash mayhem on the people and destabilise the security network that has prevented them from operating freely in the area, especially with recent successful operations that dislodged several bandit camps in the last two months.
Anene confirmed that during this violent protest, personal and government properties were destroyed.
According to the Benue State Command PPRO, the hoodlums also made an attempt to invade Ukum Police Division but were repelled by officers on guard duty.
“The Commissioner of Police, Benue state Command, Hassan Yabanet has since moved to the area with tactical teams and Heads of other security agencies to forestall further breakdown of law and order, while investigation is ongoing.” the statement concluded.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
