Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have reportedly arrested one criminal kingpin and notorious gang leader known as Asaaghar Igye in Zaki Biam, Ukum local government area of Benue State.
Asaaghar Igye was allegedly linked to the recent killing of the district head of Kundav, Chief Awua Alabar.
Chief Awua Alabar, was murdered by gunmen on July 21, 2020 at his residence in Ukum LGA.
Our correspondent gathered that Troops of OPWS were deployed to Zaki biam and Jootar in Ukum local government area of Benue State on Thursday morning to respond to a distress call from some locals on sighting the gang leader, Asaaghar Igye.
They had complained that he was earlier linked to attacks and killings in and around Alabar Village in Kundav council ward of the area.
It was gathered that the troops swiftly mobilized to the area in search of the criminal kingpin, Igye and subsequently arrested him.
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A member of Kundav community who doesn’t want to be named told our correspondent that the arrested criminal gang leader is already helping the military in providing information that would lead to arrest of other members of the gang.
He expressed deep gratitude to OPWS for the successes they have achieved in apprehending criminals and quelling crimes in Benue.
“They have drastically reduced criminal activities in the Sankara axis of the state. It is a thing of joy for our community today to see that one of those who killed our district head has been arrested.”
He therefore, appealed to President Buhari to allow the troops to remain in Benue, saying their continuous operation would bring an end to criminalities in the state.
When contacted, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Adeyemi Yekini said he cannot comment on the arrest of the criminal gang leader and referred journalists to the Defense Head Quarters (DHQ) Information Department.
