NSCDC arrests 4 over alleged rape, armed robbery in Benue

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Benue Command, has arrested four persons in connection with alleged rape of a minor, armed robbery and vandalism of national assets.

The Command Public Relations Officer, Mr Michael Ejelikwu, who paraded the suspects to newsmen on Monday in Makurdi, said that one of the suspects, a 25-year-old man, was arrested for allegedly raping an 11-year old girl.

Ejelikwu said the suspect was arrested on Jan. 25, at Mbakumbur Peivi, Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, while he was committing the crime.

According to the PRO, medical examination on the victim revealed blood dots on the entrance of the victim’s private part and also a tear to the inner organ.

He said the suspect would be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP), for prosecution.

Ejelikwu said that another suspect, a 27-year old man, was arrested for alleged criminal conspiracy, theft, armed robbery and cheating.

He said the suspect, who was a member of a notorious armed robbery gang that had been terrorising residents of Makurdi and environs, was arrested on Feb. 5, at Ankpa Quarters.

He further disclosed that the other two suspects, who hailed from Nasarawa State, were arrested on Feb. 4, at Ugbokpo, Apa LGA of Benue.

The PRO said that men of the command apprehended them when they were driving a stolen MF375 tractor.

He said on interrogation, the suspects said they were going to Kaduna, but could not give a satisfactory account of the tractor in their possession.

He said investigations into the cases were ongoing, and the suspects would be prosecuted accordingly.

Ejelikwu said that the command was on the trail of persons stealing the assets of Benue and the country, warning that there was no hiding place for criminals in the state.