From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command, on Wednesday, said it has arrested a suspected ‘yahoo-yahoo’ ritualist identified as Godspower Oghenerumu and his pregnant wife with five others in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The police also arrested arms manufacturer, named Fater Terkula Sunday and Jem Demesugh, along Adikpo – Vandeikya road in the state.

The command Police Public Relations Officer, Sewuese Anene who disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Makurdi, said on November 21, at about 1900hrs, while a police team was on routine patrol along Barracks road, Makurdi information was received that one Godspower Oghenerumu, a suspected ritualist (yahoo yahoo), his pregnant wife and five others had arrived Makurdi from Delta state and were carrying out ritual activities.

According to her, the police team rushed to the scene and arrested the spiritual leader, his wife and five others.

Anene said that during investigation, followers of the ritualist stated that they were involved in some ritual activities in Delta state that did not yield any money as promised, so Godspower told them that the spirit had directed that they should move to Benue where further directives will be given to them on how money will be manufactured, adding that “investigation is ongoing.”

Similarly, she said following information gathered about arm dealers along Adikpo – Vandeikya road, police detectives were deployed to the area to clamp down on the syndicate and on 15/11/2023 at about 1620hrs, the team busted their hideout and arrested one Fater Terkula Sunday  and  Jem Demesugh.

 “On the spot search of the hideout led to the recovery of six (6) locally fabricated beretta pistols and a motorcycle.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of Ternenge kpamngu, Terkula Ihyungwa also known as Japan, Aondo kusugh, chukwudi udeh and nine others.

“Additional exhibits recovered from them include; one locally made beretta pistol, two gas cylinders, one welding cylinder, two welding nozzles and a Sienna bus.

 “Suspects confessed that they have been in the business of producing and selling arms as well as training teenagers on arms manufacturing. There teenagers of less than 13 years were also arrested at the training ground”, Anene disclosed.

The PPRO further said, on 23/11/2023 at about 2000hrs, information was received at ‘E’ Division Makurdi that one Mr. Misaq Eke of Mbakiya village, Ugondo District, Makurdi was robbed and his belongings carted away.

She explained that during the investigation, one Ushahemba Ayoough and Jeremiah Ugborgo were arrested in connection with the case while one locally fabricated beretta pistol was recovered from them.

She said the suspects confessed to have gone for the robbery with two other gang members who are at large.

According to her, efforts are being put in place to arrest the remaining suspects.