Fourteen bandits have been killed by operatives of the Benue State Police Command, the Command’s spokesperson, Catherine Anene, has said.
Anene, in a statement on Sunday, said the assailants were engaged in a gun battle when they stormed a police station in Katsina-Ala local government in an attempt to rescue their colleagues in police custody.
She said the foiled attempt followed series of security operations going on in the Kastina-Ala area of the state during which some bandits were arrested and held in police custody.
“On 19th June 2021, five bandits were arrested and detained at Kastina-Ala Police Division for investigation and prosecution,” she said.
“On 20th June 2021 at about 1:30 am more than fifty other gang members of the detainees mobilized and invaded the police station to rescue their counterparts.
“Officers at the division, who were already at alert, engaged them in a gun duel and were able to subdue the bandits.
“Fourteen (14) of them were brought down during the exchange of fire while several others escaped with gunshot injuries.”
Anene said operatives in the area are currently on the trail of suspects at large just as she urged the residents of Kastina-Ala town to remain calm and avail every useful information about the bandits to the police.
