The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of a suspected serial killer, identified as Saater Aii, a native of Wannune in Tarka Local Government Area (LGA).
According to a statement issued on Monday in Makurdi by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, the deceased had been on the police wanted list for his alleged involvement in the murder of Mr. Aondoakaa Yayol, the Commander of the Tarka Local Government Hunters, who was assassinated on June 20, and his wife, Mrs. Kashimana Yayol, who was killed earlier on February 11, 2023.
Both killings occurred in Wannune, the headquarters of Tarka LGA, after which Aii reportedly went into hiding.
DSP Edet explained that on October 18, 2025, intelligence reports indicated that the suspect had secretly returned to Makurdi and was allegedly planning to launch further attacks. Acting on this information, a team of detectives was dispatched to apprehend him around George Akume Way in Makurdi.
Upon sighting the operatives, Aii allegedly opened fire on them. The police responded and succeeded in subduing and arresting him. During the exchange, the suspect sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), where he was later confirmed dead. His body has since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
Items recovered from the suspect include one AK-47 rifle, one locally made short gun, several 7.62mm live ammunition cartridges, and seven SIM cards suspected to have been stolen.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, has urged residents to stay away from criminal activities and to report any suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest police station or security agency in their area.
