By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has announced the death of a notorious suspected armed robber and assassin, identified as Saater at Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area.
Benue State Police Commissioner, Ifeanyi Emenari who made the disclosure in a statement said the suspect Saater had been on the command’s wanted list for his alleged involvement in the assassination of Hunters’ Commander, Mr. Aondoakaa Yayol, on 20th June 2025, and the earlier murder of Yayol’s wife, Mrs. Kashimana Yayol, on 11th February 2023.
The statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Udeme Edet made available to journalists, Sunday, in Makurdi, said credible intelligence at the disposal of the police revealed that Saater had secretly returned to Makurdi on 18th October 2025, intending to carry out further attacks.
The CP said on getting the information, a team of detectives was swiftly deployed to apprehend him around George Akume Way, Makurdi, adding that on sighting the police,the suspect opened fire on the operatives, prompting a shootout.
He further revealed that the police responded and succeeded in subduing him, but Saater sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter.
According to the CP, the suspect was rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) where he later died while his body has been deposited at the hospital morgue.
Items recovered from the suspect include: one AK-47 rifle,one locally fabricated short gun, several 7.62mm live ammunition and cartridges and seven SIM cards suspected to have been stolen
The Benue CP, warned residents to desist from criminal activities and urged them to report any suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station or security operatives,reaffirming the commands commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Benue residents.