Breaking News: Suspects Arrested in Benue Gun Factory Bust

Benue Police Uncover Illegal Gun Factories: Key Suspects Arrested

The Benue State Police Command has uncovered two illegal gun manufacturing factories in the Guma and Kwande Local Government Areas, leading to the arrest of several suspects.

Details of the Operations:

• First Factory (Mbaafa, Kwande LGA): On January 11, 2025, acting on credible intelligence, police operatives raided a facility in Mbaafa, Adikpo, Kwande LGA. Two individuals, identified as Friday Aduduakamve and Iorwashima Iornyume (alias “AK-35”), were apprehended. The search yielded nine fabricated pistols, an incomplete AK-47 rifle, two gas cylinders, a filing machine, and various tools used in firearm fabrication.
• Second Factory (Daudu, Guma LGA): In a separate operation, the police discovered another gun manufacturing site in Daudu. The primary suspect, 50-year-old Meme Ihoon, was arrested on January 10, 2025. Authorities recovered six Dane guns and three long pipes intended for firearm production from his residence. Ihoon confessed to producing and distributing arms to criminals, including kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists in the area.

Additional Incident:

In a related development, three brothers from Obudu LGA, Cross River State, were attacked while traveling to Kwande. A motorcyclist, in collusion with accomplices, diverted them to a secluded area, robbing them of their money in both naira and CFA francs. One victim was lynched, another sustained serious injuries, and the third managed to escape. Two suspects, Terhemba Abugh and Shima Terseer, have been arrested in connection with this crime.

Police Appeal:

The Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, has called on parents, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to collaborate in combating criminal activities by instilling cultural and religious values in the youth. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other individuals linked to these illegal operations.