Police Kill Notorious Robbery Kingpin, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Benue
Police in Benue State have shot dead a notorious armed robbery and assassination suspect, identified as Saater, who had been on the command’s wanted list for several months.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 20, the state police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said the suspect was killed during a gun duel with detectives in Makurdi over the weekend.
According to Edet, the encounter occurred along George Akume Way when officers attempted to apprehend Saater, who opened fire on them, prompting a shootout that led to his death.
Police investigations revealed that Saater was responsible for the assassination of Aondoakaa Yayol, commander of the local hunters’ association in Wannune, who was killed on June 20, 2025, as well as the murder of Yayol’s wife, Kashimana, on February 11, 2023.
“Acting on credible intelligence that the suspect had returned to Makurdi with plans to launch fresh attacks, detectives moved swiftly to apprehend him,” the statement read. “He engaged the police team in a shootout but was subdued and arrested.”
The suspect sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and was rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), where he was confirmed dead. His body has since been deposited at the hospital morgue.
Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, a locally made shotgun, several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, cartridges, and seven SIM cards believed to have been stolen.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, cautioned residents against engaging in criminal activity and urged them to report any suspicious movements to the nearest police station. He assured that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property across Benue State.
