Police repel armed bandits’ attack on station in Benue

No fewer than 14 armed bandits were killed  early hours of Sunday during a gun duel with the police in the Katsina-Ala town, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to a source in the area, the armed bandits had stormed the police station to forcefully set free some of their colleagues arrested and detained at the station.

The source said that the bandits numbering about 50 had on early hours of Sunday stormed the police station but were engaged in gun duel that led to death of many of the bandits.

Benue State Police Command, however, confirmed the invasion of bandits in Katsina-Ala station and stated that 14 of the bandits were killed.

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The State Command Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene  said that the bandits invaded the station around 1:30am on Sunday but added that policemen who had early information about the invasion engaged the bandits and killed 14 while many others escaped with gun injury.

According to Anene, “On 19th June, 2021 five bandits were arrested and detained at Kastina-Ala Police Division for investigation and prosecution.

“On 20th June, 2021 at about 0130hrs, more than 50 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 that security operatives were currently on the trail of suspected armed bandits who are now at large.

She advised people of Kastina-Ala town to remain calm and avail the command with every useful information about the bandits to the police.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE