Police operatives in Benue State have shot and killed a notorious armed robbery and assassination suspect identified as Saater, who had long been on the command’s wanted list.
According to a statement issued on Monday, October 20, by the state police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, the suspect was killed in a gun battle with detectives over the weekend in Makurdi. The confrontation occurred around George Akume Way when Saater reportedly opened fire as officers attempted to arrest him.
Saater had been wanted in connection with the June 20, 2025, assassination of Aondoakaa Yayol, commander of the local hunters’ association in Wannune, and the earlier killing of Yayol’s wife, Kashimana, on February 11, 2023.
“Acting on credible intelligence that the suspect had returned to Makurdi to plan further attacks, detectives moved to apprehend him,” the statement read. “He engaged officers in a shootout but was subdued and arrested.”
Saater sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and was taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), where he was later confirmed dead. His body has been deposited at the hospital morgue.
Recovered from the scene were an AK-47 rifle, a locally made shotgun, several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, cartridges, and seven SIM cards believed to have been stolen.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, warned against involvement in criminal activity and urged the public to report any suspicious behavior. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
