The Benue State Police Command has arrested 42 armed herders and bandits across various communities in the state for their involvement in criminal activities, according to Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari.
Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, CP Emenari revealed that most of the suspects apprehended over the past month have already been arraigned in court, with approximately 20 armed herders currently remanded in custody awaiting trial while several others remain under investigation.
"We've taken the fight directly to those behind the attacks and killings in Benue communities," Emenari stated. "Our tactical teams are actively operating in the bushes."
Affected Areas and Security Operations
The Commissioner listed several affected areas where security operations are ongoing, including Apa, Gwer West, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Agatu, and Guma Local Government Areas (LGAs). In these regions, security operatives are combing through communities in search of criminal elements.
"Our mandate is clear to make these communities safe so that displaced residents can return and resume farming activities," he emphasized. "In the past month alone, we've arrested 42 armed herders and local bandits from these areas. Most have already been charged in court. About 10 herders are in remand during ongoing trials, while others under investigation will be prosecuted upon conclusion of the process."
The police crackdown comes amid ongoing security challenges in Benue State, where farmer-herder conflicts and banditry have displaced numerous residents and disrupted agricultural activities across multiple communities.
These arrests represent a significant step in the state's efforts to restore peace and security to affected areas, potentially allowing displaced farmers to return to their lands and resume their livelihoods.
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