Kogi: 17 thugs arrested in Benuepoj

John Akpodovhan, Makurdi - 30.03.2008

THE Benue State Police Command on Saturday arrested seventeen suspected thugs in Otukpo, Benue State.

The thugs were alleged to have been hired by an unnamed political bigwig who was said to have been contracted to by one of the governorship candidates in the re-run election that took place in Kogi State yesterday.

It was learnt that the thugs had been primed to unleash mayhem in Kogi before they were apprehended by mobile policemen who stormed the hotel where they were lodged, following a tip-off.

Meanwhile, the Benue State governor, Hon. Gabriel Suswam, yesterday lamented the choice of Otukpo for the convergence of the thugs before going to Kogi State.

It was learnt that one of the17 suspects, who attempted to shoot at the police, was killed before he could pull the trigger

According to investigation, the suspects were found with AK47 riffle, pump-action machine guns, automatic riffles, plastic explosives, cutlasses, axes, charms and numerous rounds of ammunitions.

The suspects, it was learnt, who drove into the unnamed hotel in Honda legend Peugeot saloon and sedan, and a jeep, had posters of one of the governorship candidates contesting the Kogi state gubernatorial election in their vehicles. One of the arrested suspects was a woman.

Benue State commissioner for Police, Mr. Ibiyinka Kayode, refused to disclose the identity of the owner of the posters found in one of the cars belonging to the suspects. He told newsmen that the suspects would soon be on their way to Abuja for further interrogation.

Suswam, who spoke to newsmen at the police headquarters, described the choice of Otukpo as meeting point for the hired thugs as “unfortunate”,and he condemned the use of violence by politicians to ascend to political offices.

The governor commended the Nigerian Police for its timely responce and arrest of the suspected culprits.

Former Speaker of the Benue State, now member of House of Representatives, Hon. Mzenda Iho, called on the Federal Government to institute an investigation into the ill fated operations, insisting that those found guilty should be punished.