By Daily Topic
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of a notorious robbery and assassination suspect, identified as Saater (male), originally from Wannune in Tarka Local Government Area. The suspect was fatally wounded during a gunfight with police operatives in Makurdi on Friday, October 18, 2025.
According to a press statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the deceased suspect had long been on the police wanted list for his alleged role in the assassination of the Hunters’ Commander, Mr. Aondoakaa Yayol, which occurred on June 20, 2025, in Wannune. Saater was also a prime suspect in the earlier murder of the Commander’s wife, Mrs. Kashimana Yayol, on February 11, 2023 — another high-profile case that shocked the community.
Following the crimes, the suspect reportedly went into hiding and evaded arrest for over two years.
However, acting on credible intelligence, police operatives tracked Saater to George Akume Way in Makurdi, where he was allegedly planning further attacks. Upon sighting the police team, the suspect opened fire in an attempt to evade arrest. The police responded swiftly and returned fire, ultimately subduing and arresting him.
During the exchange, Saater sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), where he was later confirmed dead. His body has since been deposited in the hospital mortuary.
Items recovered from the suspect include:
One (1) AK-47 rifle
One (1) locally fabricated short gun
Several rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
Cartridges
Seven (7) SIM cards suspected to be stolen
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, PhD, psc, mnips, has called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or security agency. He further reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
“The Benue State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure lasting peace and security,” the statement concluded.