3 suspects arrested over murder of Catholic Seminarian

Three people suspected to be part of a gang, who allegedly murdered a Catholic seminarian in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, have been apprehended by the Home Land Defence (Vigilante) in Otukpo area of the state.

The deceased, simply identified as Ameh, was recently shot dead by the notorious gang in Eke-Nobi, Okpokwu area.

But the suspected gang members were on Saturday arrested by the vigilante in Otukpo Township. Witnesses said luck ran out on the suspects after one of them, Samuel Abah, was identified by some residents of Eke-nobi who trailed him to his hideout in Otukpo, then informed the vigilante group of the vicinity.

It was gathered that the Igbanonmaje community vigilante immediately swung into action and nabbed the Abah alongside two others in their hideouts.

A media aide to the chairman of Otukpo LGA, Desmond Oogwu, confirmed on the telephone to our correspondent that the suspects admitted that they were members of the Black Axe confraternity cult but were not part of those who carried out the operation that led to the killing of the seminarian.

He, however, added that the suspects have indicated their willingness to cooperate with security agencies to fish out killers of the seminarian, stressing that they promised to disclose names of those involved because they even know the person who shot the seminarian.

Meanwhile, the suspects are said to have been handed over to the police for further investigation. But the Police Spokesperson for Benue command, DSP Catherine Anene, said she had not been briefed on the matter. (Daily Trust)