Dare Babalola
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of Saater Aii, a resident of Wannune in Tarka Local Government Area.
The police command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed this in a statement issued on Monday in Makurdi.
DSP Edet stated that the suspect had been a wanted individual in connection with the alleged murder of Aondoakaa Yayol, the Tarka LG Hunters’ Commander, and his wife, Kashimana Yayol, who were killed on June 20 and February 11, 2023, respectively.
The police spokesperson added that both murders took place in Wannune, the headquarters of Tarka Local Government Area, after which the suspect fled and went into hiding.
“However, on 18th October, 2025, credible intelligence revealed that the suspect had clandestinely returned to Makurdi with plans to carry out further attacks.
“Acting swiftly on this information, a team of detectives was deployed to apprehend him around George Akume Way, Makurdi.
“Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect opened fire on them. The police responded appropriately and succeeded in subduing and arresting him.
“During the encounter, the suspect sustained gunshot injuries and was immediately taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) for treatment, where he was later confirmed dead.
“His corpse has since been deposited at the hospital mortuary,” she said.
Edet revealed that the police recovered from him one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated short gun, several 7.62 mm live ammunition cartridges, and seven SIM cards suspected to have been stolen.
The spokesperson stated that the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, has advised all residents to desist from criminal activities and to promptly report any suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station or any other security agency within their vicinity.
Edet said the Command remained resolute in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Benue.
