Police Confirm death of wanted suspect linked to Hunters' Command’s murder

Police Confirm Death of Wanted Suspect Linked to Hunters’ Commander’s Murder

By Johnson Arua

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of one Saater, a notorious suspect from Wannune in Tarka Local Government Area, who had been on the Command’s wanted list for alleged involvement in the assassination of the Hunters’ Commander, Mr. Aondoakaa Yayol.

In a statement issued in Makurdi, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Udeme Edet, said the suspect was also linked to the earlier murder of the commander’s wife, Mrs. Kashimana Yayol, both of which occurred in Wannune.

“The suspect had been on the run since the killing of Mr. Yayol on June 20, 2025, and his wife on February 11, 2023,” DSP Edet stated. “However, on October 18, 2025, credible intelligence revealed that he had secretly returned to Makurdi with plans to carry out further attacks.”

According to the statement, a team of detectives was immediately dispatched to track down the suspect around George Akume Way in Makurdi.

“On sighting the operatives, the suspect opened fire on them,” the police spokesman said. “The team responded appropriately, subdued and arrested him. During the exchange, he sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), where he was later confirmed dead.”

DSP Edet disclosed that items recovered from the suspect included one AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated short gun, several rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, cartridges, and seven SIM cards suspected to have been stolen.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, PhD, in the statement advised members of the public to steer clear of criminal activities and report suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station.

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