Police kill notorious assassin after fierce gun battle in Benue

A notorious suspected armed robber and assassin, identified simply as Saater, has been gunned down by operatives of the Benue State Police Command during a shootout in Makurdi.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, the suspect met his end over the weekend after engaging police detectives in a gun battle when they attempted to arrest him.

Saater, who had been on the police wanted list for several months, was accused of being behind the brutal murder of a local hunters’ commander and his wife in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State.

Edet said that the late suspect was wanted for the assassination of Aondoakaa Yayol, Commander of the local hunters’ association, who was shot dead on June 20, 2025, and the killing of Yayol’s wife, Mrs. Kashimana Yayol, on February 11, 2023, both in Wannune.

“Acting on credible intelligence that the suspect had returned to Makurdi with plans to launch fresh attacks, detectives moved swiftly to apprehend him around George Akume Way. He engaged the police team in a shootout but was subdued and arrested,” the statement read.

The suspect reportedly sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and was taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), where he was later confirmed dead.

His remains have been deposited at the hospital morgue.

The police spokesperson listed items recovered from the deceased suspect to include one AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated shotgun, several 7.62mm live ammunition, cartridges, and seven SIM cards suspected to have been stolen.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, warned residents against criminal acts and report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation, assuring that the command remains resolute in safeguarding lives and property across the state.