The Next Edition

Tag: Catherine Anene

  • Two policemen, 16 Farmers Killed in Herdsmen Attack in Benue

    Two policemen, 16 Farmers Killed in Herdsmen Attack in Benue

    Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have killed18 persons including two police officers, after they attacked Gbeji, Ukum local government area of Benue state.

    The Ukum Local Government Chairman, Mr. Kertyo Tyounbur, who confirmed the attack on phone, told journalists that the herders attacked the villagers between 4a.m and 5a.m on Wednesday, and attacked a police station in the area and killed two officers on duty.

    While explaining that the attack was clearly unprovoked, the chairman said 12 injured persons who were brutally macheted were receiving treatment in a public hospital at Afia.

    “We are still searching the bushes for more corpses and survivors. I went to the scene to ascertain the level of damage and those killed, I couldn’t because it was discovered that the attackers, the Fulani militia were still around in the bushes. So security advised me to move aside with the people that were with me as it was not safe.

    “The attack took place at Gbeji, just between and Anyiin. The first point of attack was a Catholic Church on that road. They came about 3a.m. Several women were macheted by the attackers.

    “They must have come from Tseke, a border community with Nasarawa and Taraba states. In fact, we heard that they had their meeting in Kente another border community in Taraba state yesterday and then today (Wednesday) they attacked our communities.

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    “Among the dead were two policemen who were on duty at the Police Station in Gbeji where the attack occurred. They attacked the Police Station and the police men who were on duty were shot dead,” he said.

    The Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Security, Lt. Col. Paul Hembah, rtd, also confirmed saying security operatives were still combing the bushes for corpses as many people are still missing.

    He said so far 18 corps have been recovered and taken to the morgue. They include Mtem Torpav, Eje Abraham a Policeman, Zege, Afam Abama, Akor Jem, John Nor, Torlumun Orabende, Orpandega Terseer, Bem Nyichia, Atseva Ortwer, Mrs. Torsar, Nyave Tyoulugh, Kpaver Tion, Ugba Joseph, Mbakumbur Peter, Moses Pav, Apeseza Baba and Unduun.

    When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack saying “I received a report of an attack at Gbeji, Ukum LGA where one policeman lost his life but I have not received details of the report.

    She said more police teams in collaboration with other security agencies have been deployed to the area.

  • Police Arrest 18 Suspected Kidnappers, One Other For Vandalizing PDP Billboards

    Police Arrest 18 Suspected Kidnappers, One Other For Vandalizing PDP Billboards

    The Benue state police command has arrested suspected kidnappers numbering 18 in Ado Local Government Area of the state.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Wale Abbas, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP. Catherine Anene, and made available to journalists in Makurdi.

    The Commissioner explained that “On 21/08/2022 at about 0730hrs information was received about suspected kidnappers who were trying to bypass police checkpoints at Utonkon road, Ado Local Government Area.

    “Police officers deployed to the area in collaboration with members of the community were able to intercept and arrest 18 suspects, all male of Ikpayongo, Gwer Local Government Area.

    While noting that investigation is on going, he said one AK-47 rifle and two magazines loaded with 30 rounds of 6.72mm live ammunition were recovered from them.

    In a related development, the police has detained one Ternenge Kpandegh, for allegedly vandalizing billboards belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue state.

    The suspect was reportedly caught red handed by some staff of the Makurdi Local Government Task Force at the Wurukum market area of the state on Monday morning.

    Speaking to journalists at the command Headquarters in Makurdi, the party Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom, thwy wete at thw party secretariat when they got the news about the billboard.

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    “When we heard about it, we quickly rushed to the scene and tried to get first hand information about what happened and we advised the Task Force to call in the police. He is now in the custody of the police and we are here as an interested party.”

    “We have been suffering from such acts before where all our billboards were destroyed. We have lost count of how many of our billboards that have been destroyed in the past.”

    Mr Iortyom who noted that some PDP billboards were recently destroyed at Oshigbudu in Agatu LGA said in Makurdi, billboards were also destroyed in Wadata, New GRA, High Level and Wurukum areas.

    “We have been impressing it on our members to be law abiding believing that we will get to the root of it. So we consider this to be a lucky stroke to have this culprit arrested in the act of destroying the billboards.”

    The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Catherine Anene, had declined comments on the matter but a police source who didn’t want to be named confirmed that a suspect was brought to the command in connection with the case explaining that investigation was ongoing.

    He said at the end of investigation, if he is found culpable, he would be charged to court.

  • Police Arrest Fleeing Kidnap Kingpin In Benue

    Police Arrest Fleeing Kidnap Kingpin In Benue

    The police have arrested the fleeing leader of a kidnap gang, Achobo Samuel, who specialised in Kidnapping women in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.

    The suspect had escaped when men of operation Zenda, led by SP Justin Gberinde, stormed and arrested two of his gang members in their hideouts in a house in Makurdi.

    Parading the suspect at the headquarters the Benue Police Command, the Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, said the kingpin was arrested a few days after two other members were arrested.

    “If you remember two members of his gang were apprehended in Makurdi in their hideouts last week and they confessed to the crime.

    “Today the kingpin was arrested by men of Operation Zenda. If you recall, the Commissioner of Police, Wale Abbas, promised to arrest the kingpin. Now he has been arrested and he confessed to the crime.”

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    The suspect told journalists that women were easy to kidnap and regretted causing the demolition of the house linked to the former Chief Judge of Benue State, late Justice Iorhemen Hwande who he described as his uncle.

    “He (late Chief Judge) was my uncle and I have been working with his son for the past six years as sales boy selling tiles.

    Samuel who disclosed to have started the kidnap business last year, 2021 said, “We are three, the other two have been arrested. It was last year that my elder brother told me about the business and we sat together and planned it.

    “I regret my action especially causing the demolition of my uncle’s house. I will not repeat it again.”

  • Kuje Prison Break: Benue Police Command Arrests One Fugitive

    Kuje Prison Break: Benue Police Command Arrests One Fugitive

    Benue state police command said it has arrested one Ebube Igwe, one of the runaway prisoners who escaped during the prison break in Kuje, Abuja.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Wale Abbas, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene.

    The Commissioner explained that “On 19/7/2022 at about 3pm, information was received about one Ebube Igwe Jude, a fugitive who had arrived Makurdi as a result of Kuje jail break.

    He said that on getting the information, detectives were deployed to investigate the case and they arrested him at George Akume way, Wurukum, Makurdi.

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    He stated that during investigation, he confessed to have escaped from Kuje correctional center during the jail break.

    He stated further that he is an awaiting trial inmate, standing trial in a case of culpable homicide involving his girlfriend.

    The commissioner said the command has begun processes to handover the escapee to the Nigeria correctional service for necessary actions.

  • Sallah: Police Deploy Security To Worship, Event Centers In Benue

    Sallah: Police Deploy Security To Worship, Event Centers In Benue

    The Benue state police command said it has put in place adequate security measures for the 2022 Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.

    In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Catherine Anene, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abbas has ordered the deployment of police officers across the state to create an enabling environment for the peaceful celebration of Eid-el Kabir.

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    The statement said officers have been deployed to provide security at all Muslim prayer grounds, event centres and all routes within the state during the celebration.

    He called on the people of Benue state to be law-abiding and report suspicious activities to the Police saying the command will not tolerate any attempt to break law and order in the state.

    The Commissioner who felicitated with Muslim faithful in the state enjoined them to be security conscious and report suspicious activities using the command’s emergency phone numbers; 0806-600-6475, 07067374913, and 8057493117.

  • University Don, 2 Police Officers, Others, Killed in Benue

    University Don, 2 Police Officers, Others, Killed in Benue

    Five persons, including two policemen, a university lecturer and his two friends, have been reportedly killed by unknown gunmen in Benue State.

    It was gathered that three friends Aondoayange Apever, Kachina Shiaondo and a University Don in the Department of Mass Communication, Federal University, Wukari, Mr. Fred Akaakar, were killed by unknown gunmen at Jootar, Mbaterem, in Mbayenge Council Ward in Ukum Local Government Area of the state.

    It was also said that the two police men were killed by herdsmen at Yelewata in Guma LGA and their guns taken away by their killers.

    The Next Edition further gathered that the lecture and the two others were killed when some unknown gunmen stormed the border town, shot and killed them while others escaped narrowly.

    Locals from the area told journalists that the spate of killings has not only resurfaced but had also increased in Ukum despite the dusk to dawn curfew and motorcycles ban imposed by the Benue State Security Council on Sankera Axis.

    Eye witness said the incident took place around 7:00p.m on Thursday, where the three friends sat at a drinking joint close to a Federal Quarantine Check Point.

    He said that while they were all seated, a Bajaj motorcycle came carrying a lady and two guys, while one of them started shooting at their targets and zoomed off.

    The source narrated that the motorcycle came from Melabu direction, operated for 10 minutes, killed the victims and left immediately in the same direction.

    When asked what could be behind their gruesome murder, the source said “it’s difficult to know at the moment, but we couldn’t sleep throughout the night in Jootar.”

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    The source said numerous killings in Mbaterem, has heightened after a strong member of a Church by name Philip of The Narrow Way Tent, was being kidnapped in Channel2 Sankera and was only released after a huge ransom was offered.

    The source who noted that they do not witness such before now, lamented that the people are now living in fear for their lives in an area which he said were hitherto peaceful.

    They called on the Governor Samuel Ortom and the State Security Council, to come to their aid.

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations officer, PPRO, SP Catherine Anene, could not confirm the incident as she said she has not received the information on the killings in Ukum.

    She, however, confirmed the killing of two police officers saying “I received information that two policemen died in an operation at Makurdi-Lafia road but I am yet to receive details.”

  • Again, Gunmen Kill 16 In Benue Community

    Again, Gunmen Kill 16 In Benue Community

    Not fewer than 16 persons have been killed by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen, in Udei and Yelwata communities of Guma local government area of Benue state.

    Sources from the areas, who didn’t want to be named, said some traders had
    gone to the community to collect their wares, wood, when the gunmen attacked and killed them.

    They also said five dead bodies have been recovered while 11 other persons were still missing as at the time of writing this report.

    Confirming the incident, chairman of Guma LGA, Mr. Caleb Abah, said the attack took place around 7p.m on Monday

    “I heard of the incident. Those killed are timber dealers who went yesterday, Monday, in the evening to collect the timber they had cut from the forest in Mbagwen.

    “So, it was when they were coming out of the forest that they met the attackers who attacked and killed them.

    Mr. Abah who said he reported the matter to the police said “They were 16 in number. So far, five corpses have been recovered out of the 16 persons.”

    Earlier, when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Benue state command, SP Catherine Anene, said she was yet to get the details on the incident.

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    Meanwhile, the police in the state said they have arrested suspected fraudsters and armed robbers and also recovered of firearm.

    The PPRO, SP Catherine Anene in a statement, explained that, “On 5/4/2022 at about 1030hrs, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP. Wale Abbas received a report that on the same date about 0300hrs, armed robbers broke into a house at New GRA in Makurdi and made away with ATM cards, phones and other belongings. The robbers transferred N300,000 from the victim’s accounts using the stolen ATM cards.

    “The CP deployed a team of detectives to trail and arrest the suspects but the suspects who knew that they were being trailed took to their heels until 15/6/2022 when two of the suspects; Sapele Great and Hakem Joseph Adi of different addresses were arrested in Makurdi.”

    Following their arrest, one locally made pistol loaded with nine rounds of 6mm live ammunition, eight phones suspected to be stolen, one electronic shocking device, 18 SIM cards of different networks, one United Bank for Africa, UBA, cheque book belonging to Agasha Philemon and other electronic devices suspected to be used to internet fraud, were recovered from them.

    The statement said the suspects confessed to be cultists, armed robbers and fraudsters while investigation is ongoing to arrest other suspects involved.

  • Attack On Benue Community: One Dies as Police Arrests Four Suspects

    Attack On Benue Community: One Dies as Police Arrests Four Suspects

    Benue state police command said it has arrested four suspects in connection with the recent attack and killing of over 11 innocent farmers in Edumoga, Okpokwu local government area of the state.

    The Next Edition had reported that on 12/6/2022, gunmen suspected to be herdsmen attacked Igama village, Okpokwu LGA of Benue state.

    Commissioner Of Police, Benue State Command, Wale Abass, who disclosed this in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Catherine Anene said out of four arrested suspects, one has died from gun injuries.

    The commissioner said “Police teams deployed to the area in collaboration with other security agents have been on cordon and search operations within the forest.

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    “On 15/6/2022 at about 0500hrs, the attackers who were trapped in the bush engaged the police in a gun duel that led to arrest of the suspects in their hideout. Thye include Umar Nuhu, Dauda Alhaji, Musa Dako and Umaru Sale.

    One of the suspects, Musa Dako, sustained injuries and was admitted at St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga for treatment where he eventually gave up the ghost and the corpse deposited at the same hospital while three other suspects are in custody for further investigation.

    The Commissioner of police, Benue State command, has advised members of Igama community to remain calm and avail useful information to the police for necessary actions.

  • Suspected Herders Attack Benue community, kill 11

    Suspected Herders Attack Benue community, kill 11

    Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen has reportedly attacked Igama community in Okpokwu Local Government area of Benue State killing about 11 persons and injuring many others.

    A source from the area told journalists that the attackers stormed the community in a guerilla style in the early hours of Sunday, killed people and burnt down the entire buildings in the community.

    The source who didn’t want to be named said the attackers murdered the youths they came across and allowed the elderly, women and children to escape unhurt.

    “The attackers are Fulani herdsmen. They stormed the community in a commando manner between 4am and 6am this morning.

    “They killed some of the youths in the village and spared the elderly, children and women as they allowed them to run away.”

    The chairman of Okpokwu local government, Mrs Amina Audu who confirmed the report disclosed that they had recovered nine corpses, so far, from the scene.

    “I had the report that the Fulani herders stormed Igama community between 4:00 a.m and 6:00a.m today.

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    “As I am talking to you now, I am in the police station at Okpoga. Three corpses have been brought from the community and people from the area just told me that they are on their way coming with another six corpses to be taken to the mortuary.

    “The attackers were said to have left women, children and the elderly to run away but attacked and killed youths in the community. They burnt down all the houses in the community.”

    On her part, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Catherine Anene, also confirmed the attack but said that the command was yet to get details.

    Anene said, “The incident is confirmed but the Command is yet to receive details from officers who went to the scene,” Anene said.

    Meanwhile, the Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Mr. Abba Moro, has condemned, in strong terms, the attack and killing of innocent people in the Edumoga community.

    Moro said “The attack on Okporikpo and Igama communities of Edumoga LG in the early hours of today, June 12, 2022, leading to wanton destruction of lives and property, stands condemned.

    “I sympathise with the victims of the barbaric attack and call on security agents to go after and bring to book the perpetrators of the heinous crime.”

  • Police Arrests Suspected Cultists Over Death Of Missing Musician in Benue

    Police Arrests Suspected Cultists Over Death Of Missing Musician in Benue

    The Benue state police command has arrested suspected cultists among them, murderers of one Terungwa Ikon who went missing in Makurdi several weeks ago.

    The Next Edition gathered that Terungwa Ikon, popularly known as ‘Ortrees’ was found dead at the bank of Benue river, after he allegedly went missing within the North Bank area of Makurdi, the Benue state capital.

    The deceased, a younger brother to singer and songwriter, Orduen Ikon Andrew popularly known as OD Woods, was also a singer and dancer.

    He reportedly left his elder brother’s house for their family house but did not arrive.

    A witness who didn’t want to be named said, “he was never seen again until his body was found dumped near a river on Sunday June 5, 2022.”

    The state Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass who confirmed the incident said several suspects have been arrested in connection with his death, among them were cultists.

    Abass in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Catherine Anene, recalled that on 13th April, 2022, Mr. Terungwa Ikon Albert of behind Okiki hotel, Makurdi, was reported missing by his father.

    She said upon receipt of the information, detectives of operation Zenda Joint Task Force from the command were deployed to investigate the case and during investigation, arrested one Victor Ahambe, Chichi Maxwell, Andrew Onche Okoliko, Terdoo Tersugh and nine others.

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    According to the statement, the suspects have confessed to being members of the same secret cult and have participated in the killing of the victim at the river Benue bank.

    “The suspects stated that on the 13/4/2022 while they were drinking in a beer parlour at Terguma street, Northbank, Makurdi, their leader, named “Doggy” came with Terungwa Ikon and bought a drink for him, ordered them to the river Benue bank where he robbed the deceased of his belongings, removed a pistol from his pocket and shot him on the head.

    “Other members contributed to the killing by cutting him with a matchet and the corpse was dropped in the river to float.”

    She said investigation is still ongoing to arrest all suspects that are currently at large and other cult members especially “Doggy.”

    The police urged members of the public who have information about the said “Doggy” to contact the command for necessary action.

  • Fire Guts Over 600 Shops In Katsina Ala Main Market In Benue

    Fire Guts Over 600 Shops In Katsina Ala Main Market In Benue

    The main market in Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue state has been gutted by fire.

    The Chairman of the local Government, Mr. Alfred Atera who confirmed the incident on phone, said the fire started about 8:30 pm.

    The Next Edition gathered that over 600 shops were destroyed by the inferno.

    According to the Chairman, goods worth hundreds of million naira were destroyed.

    The Chairman who stated that he had been to the market to ascertain the level of damage the lines where Hausa people used to stay and Lagos street, Igbo line was mostly affected.

    “The Hausas are selling edibles while the Igbos are selling cosmetics, clothings, electronics and other items.

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    While acknowledging that the rate of damage was much, Atera appeared to state government to intervene to alleviate the suffering of the people.

    “We are appealing to government to intervene because peoples life savings have gone and some people are in the hospital and needs help.

    He said he has gotten in touch with the state Governor Samuel Ortom, Tuesday night and appealed that he helps the marketers you get back on their feet.

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident saying they are investing to ascertain the cause of the fire.

  • Benue: Police Arrests Three Suspects Over Death of Young Lady in Hotel

    Benue: Police Arrests Three Suspects Over Death of Young Lady in Hotel

    The Benue State police command has arrested three persons in connection with the death of a young lady in a hotel in Benue state.

    The Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, SP Catherine Anene, disclosed this while confirming the incident in Makurdi.

    The Next Edition gathered that a young lady was reportedly found dead, last weekend, at a hotel around the Nyiman area of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

    Sources who refused to be named said the lady, of about 20 years, had lodged into the hotel with a man, yet to be identified, but was later found dead in the room.

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    While some of the sources say the deceased lady must have died during a sex romp with her partner, others further allege that she was killed and her private part removed and taken away by the “Yahoo boy” for ritual purposes.

    Confirming the report, the Police PPRO, Anene did not confirm the rumour that her private part was removed.

    She said no part of the deceased body was missing at the time her remains were picked from the hotel room.

    “There is a death report of a lady in a hotel but details will come from the doctors, though we didn’t see marks of violence on the body. So, the autopsy will reveal the cause of the death.

    Anene said “The person that died was dressed but we didn’t see marks on her body meaning there are no injuries. Three suspects were arrested in connection with this case so they will give us details. We can’t say it is a case of murder because we didn’t see marks of violence.”

  • Herbalist Hangs Self In Benue

    Herbalist Hangs Self In Benue

    A Herbalist, Mr. Terhemen Iorbee, has reportedly committed suicide in Mbakuha Council ward of Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State.

    The Next Edition gathered that Iorbee, 42, and father of four, died by hanging himself on a tree in the late hours of Saturday.

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    It was said that the late Iorbee who resides in Ge-Mbayem with his family where he practiced his native medicine was found dead with his body suspended by a rope tied round his neck from a tree branch.

    Separate accounts of the incidence by the deceased father, Iorbee Ndyar and his eldest son, Fater Terhemen, revealed that the deceased native doctor was brought home around 10p.m on Friday by a colleague, Orduen Kerchen, from Mbakor, Tarkar Local Government Area, where he spent several weeks attending to his clients.

    It was said that the deceased was alleged to be only hallucinating in his last days in Mbakor, leaving his colleague with no choice than to return him home to his family.

    The deceased was married to three wives but lived with none of them in the house.

    “When he was brought home that night, we led him to his room to sleep. But when the day broke and we went to check on him in the morning, he was missing from his room and we later found that he had committed suicide by hanging himself,” his teary son, said.

    As at the time of filing this report, the Police Public Relations Officers, SP Cathrine Anene could not be reached for comments.