Police uncover ‘two gun factories’, arrest three suspects in Benue

The police command in Benue says its operatives have discovered two gun-manufacturing factories in Guma and Kwande LGAs of the state.

NAN reports that Steve Yabanet, the commissioner of police in Benue, said operatives also arrested three suspects during the raid of the gun factories.

Yabanet said operatives acted on intelligence about arms manufacturing at Mbaafa, Adikpo, in Kwande LGA, adding that Friday Aduduakamve and Iorwashima Iornyume, also known as AK-35, were arrested on January 11.

“Police searched the factory and recovered nine fabricated pistols, one incomplete AK-47 rifle, two gas cylinders, one filing machine, four other machines, and numerous tools for making rifles,” he said.

“The team also discovered another gun-making factory in Daudu, Guma LGA, where additional arms were recovered.”

The commissioner said the operatives, while gathering intelligence on criminal activities in Daudu, received information linking Meme Ihoon, a 50-year-old suspect, to supplying short arms used by kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists in the area.

“During the investigation, the suspect was apprehended on 10 January, and six dane guns along with three long pipes for fabricating firearms were recovered from his residence,” he added.

“The suspect confessed to manufacturing and selling arms. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other individuals involved.”

Yabanet also said a gang robbed brothers from Obudu LGA in Cross River while travelling to Kwande.

The commissioner said a motorcyclist diverted the victims to another location and alerted his gang members to rob them.

“Unbeknownst to him, one of the brothers understood the language he was speaking. The victim informed his brothers about the cyclist’s intentions, prompting them to flee,” he said.

“The gang pursued them into the bush, robbed them of naira and CFA francs, and lynched one of the victims. One sustained a severe injury while the other escaped.”

Yabanet said operatives arrested two suspects, Terhemba Abugh and Shima Terseer, in connection with the crime.

He called on parents and religious and traditional leaders to instill values in the youth to combat crime.