The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of a notorious armed robber and suspected assassin known as Saater of Wannune, in Tarka Local Government Area, who had been on the command’s wanted list for several violent crimes, including multiple murders.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the suspect was identified as the prime suspect behind the assassination of the Hunters’ Commander, Mr. Aondoakaa Yayol, on June 20, 2025, and the earlier killing of the commander’s wife, Mrs. Kashimana Yayol, on February 11, 2023, both in Wannune.
According to Edet, Saater had been on the run since the incidents but recently returned to Makurdi with plans to carry out further attacks. Intelligence reports tipped off the police, prompting the deployment of detectives along George Akume Way, where the suspect was eventually confronted.
The statement revealed that on sighting the operatives, the suspect opened fire on them, prompting a swift response from the police. In the ensuing gun duel, he was subdued and arrested.
The suspect reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and was taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) for treatment, where he was later confirmed dead. His remains have been deposited at the hospital’s morgue.
Recovered items from the scene include one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated short gun, several rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, cartridges, and seven SIM cards believed to have been stolen.
