Mob kills 3 suspected armed robbers in Benue

Three armed robbery suspects yesterday met their waterloo as an angry mob pounced on them in Gbaste community of Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Daily Trust reports that Gbatse is the community where at least 16 mass graves of persons allegedly murdered by a gang of serial killers were uncovered a few days ago.

It was gathered that the suspects whose names were given as Terkaa Jabi, alias Gajere, Terkimbir Iorbunde Ahungwaor, and Paul Mbailuior Damsa, laid siege on the major road passing through the community in the early hours of Sunday.

Witnesses said the trio attacked occupants of a vehicle coming into the state from Cross River State at an illegal check point they mounted near the residence of the District Head of Mbayegh, Chief Nathaniel Hoyo.

It was further learnt that the traditional leader mobilised youths of the community and alerted the police as they chased the suspects who ran into the hills in the surrounding area and hid in one of the caves.

But luck ran out on them, when the youths apprehended the three culprits. It was gathered that police efforts could not stop the angry mob who hurled stones at the suspects.

Witnesses said the suspects were killed in the process as the youths dragged them along the road before the police eventually took custody of their corpses and displayed same at the Ushongo police station.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Benue command, Catherine Anene, explained that the police were actually exchanging fire with the robbers when they took to their heels and hid in a cave.

Anene added that during the search for the robbers, the mob located them before the police and lynched them but that the armed robbers had earlier shot one of the travellers who is now receiving treatment.

"The robbers are part of the robbery syndicate (serial killers) that are in custody. The three corpses have been deposited at the Teaching Hospital in Makurdi," she said.