BREAKING: Suspected Benue assassin wanted by police killed in gun battle

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of a suspected armed robber and assassin identified as Saater of Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area, who had been on the Command’s wanted list for alleged involvement in multiple murders, including the assassination of the Hunters’ Commander, Mr. Aondoakaa Yayol.

According to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the late suspect was wanted in connection with the killing of Mr. Yayol on June 20, 2025, as well as the earlier murder of the Commander’s wife, Mrs. Kashimana Yayol, which occurred on February 11, 2023, both in Wannune. After the incidents, the suspect reportedly went into hiding.

However, on October 18, 2025, intelligence reports indicated that Saater had secretly returned to Makurdi with plans to launch further attacks. Acting on this tip-off, a team of detectives was dispatched to apprehend him along George Akume Way, Makurdi.

The statement said that upon 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.

During the operation, Saater sustained gunshot injuries and was taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital for treatment, where he was later confirmed dead. His body has since been deposited in the hospital’s morgue.

Items recovered from the suspect include one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated short gun, several rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, cartridges, and seven SIM cards suspected to have been stolen.