Benue Police Kill Notorious Murder Suspect in Makurdi Shootout

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The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of a wanted murder suspect, Saater Aii, from Wannune, in the Tarka Local Government Area of the state.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Monday in Makurdi.

According to the police, Aii had been on the run following his alleged involvement in the assassination of the Tarka Local Government Hunters’ Commander, Mr. Aondoakaa Yayol, who was killed on June 20, and the earlier murder of Yayol’s wife, Mrs. Kashimana Yayol, on February 11, 2023.

“Both incidents occurred in Wannune, the headquarters of Tarka LGA, and the suspect went into hiding afterward,” Edet stated.

The spokesperson explained that on October 18, 2025, the police received credible intelligence indicating that the suspect had secretly returned to Makurdi and was allegedly plotting further attacks.

“Acting swiftly on this information, a team of detectives was deployed to apprehend him around George Akume Way, Makurdi,” Edet said.

“Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect opened fire on them. The police responded appropriately, subdued, and arrested him.”

During the encounter, the suspect sustained gunshot injuries and was taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) for treatment, where he was later confirmed dead. His body has been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.

The police also recovered an AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated short gun, several 7.62mm live ammunition cartridges, and seven SIM cards suspected to have been stolen from the scene.

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the operatives for their swift action and warned criminals to desist from unlawful activities or face decisive law enforcement action.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station or other security agencies.

“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Benue State,” Edet added.