The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of a wanted assassin and suspected armed robber, identified as Saater of Wannune in Tarka Local Government Area, during a gun duel with security operatives in Makurdi.
Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed in a statement that the deceased suspect had been on the command’s wanted list for his alleged involvement in several murders, including the assassination of the Hunters’ Commander, Mr. Aondoakaa Yayol, and his wife, Mrs. Kashimana Yayol.
According to the statement, Mrs. Yayol was killed on February 11, 2023, while her husband was murdered on June 20, 2025, both incidents occurring in Wannune.
Following the killings, the suspect reportedly fled the area and had remained in hiding.
Edet stated that on October 18, 2025, intelligence reports revealed that Saater had resurfaced in Makurdi and was planning further attacks.
Acting on the tip-off, a team of detectives was deployed to intercept him along George Akume Way in Makurdi.
“On sighting the operatives, the suspect opened fire, forcing the police to respond.
In the exchange of gunfire, he was subdued and arrested,” the statement read in part.
Saater, who sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter, was taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.
His remains have been deposited in the hospital’s morgue.
Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated short gun, several rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, cartridges, and seven SIM cards suspected to have been stolen.