No fewer than two persons have been killed in Okpoga community in Okpokwu LGA of Benue State as suspected robbers and men of the Nigeria Police engaged in shootout, along the Ugbokolo-Owukpa road.
DAILY POST gathered that the gallant officers overpowered the bandits, killing one on the spot, while the other one escaped with bullet injury. He later died on his way to the hospital.
It was gathered that the deceased and their gang were robbing travelers along the road when theyy met their waterloo.
Confirming the incident to our reporter on Saturday, the Benue State Police PRO, ASP Moses Yamuh, said two other persons are currently in the police custody, giving useful information.
“It was not an attack. We had a report from the area that some boys were robbing travelers along the road and we quickly drafted our men from the division to combat them.
“On sighting our men, they opened fire on them and our officers also responded. One of them was killed on the spot. He was putting on military camouflage while the other one escaped with bullets injury.
“He was later arrested but died on his way to the hospital,” Yamuh added.
The police image maker said before his demise, he mentioned some names, who were arrested but they denied being members of the notorious squad.
“The young man before he died mentioned some names and we got them arrested but they denied being members of his gang.
“Though, they admitted that their late friend was a robber and they had advised him severally to change but he wouldn’t listen.
“You know criminals will never admit that they a criminals. We are still investigating the mater to ascertain their claim,” Yamuh added.
He assured that the command was doing everything possible to ensure a hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state.