Benue Police Warn Against Cattle Rustling, Initiate Crackdown

The Benue State Police Command, through its spokesperson DSP Udem Edet, has issued a stern warning to individuals involved in cattle rustling, urging them to stop or face strict legal consequences. This warning was delivered in a statement by the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, released on Wednesday.

The police have indicated that cattle rustling is a major trigger for recurring violence and retaliatory attacks in several communities. The command has commenced clearance operations to flush out criminal elements and has emphasized that individuals found guilty of engaging in cattle theft will be treated as accomplices to banditry and prosecuted accordingly.

The police have also called on residents to desist from unlawful activities and to provide credible information that will aid ongoing operations. The statement acknowledged security concerns affecting parts of the state, including areas such as Apa, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Gwer East, and Guma local government areas, and reassured the public of the command's commitment to safeguarding lives and property.