by Oge Okonkwo

Three suspected robbers were shot and killed on Sunday by Police in Benue state, after allegedly robbing and raping victims at Mbakihir village in Buruku local government area of the state.

The State Commissioner of Police, Adams Audu, speaking to newsmen on Monday said the police were alerted at about 1.00 am that armed men numbering about five had reportedly invaded the home of their victim (names withheld) in Mbakihir village in Buruku local government area.

The armed men who invaded and robbed the house of the victims were said to have raped the female children of the victims. Acting on information, the police on patrol went to the scene but the robbers opened fire on them.

Vanguard news reports:

“The ensuing exchange of gunfire led to three of the suspects sustaining bullet wounds and were arrested but while being conveyed to a nearby hospital the three of them died before they could be availed medical attention.

“However, two members of the gang escaped arrest with bullet wounds, but we are on their trail and I believe that they would soon be arrested. Some of the items that were recovered from the gang include, three assorted locally made guns and four live ammunition, two axes, three live cartridges and one expended cartridge.

“I am by this information soliciting the cooperation of members of the public to give us information that would lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspected armed robbers and other criminal elements in Benue State.”

Mr. Audu also cautioned those perpetrating crime in the state to desist or face the wrath of the law, assuring that the Police in Benue would not relent in its quest to rid the state of criminal elements.