Attah Ede Makudi
The Benue State Police Command, on Friday, arrested three hunters and forest guards in Benue State for alleged assault and forced haircut of a lady in Benue State.
Following complaints launched by victims of the assault against members of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services (NHFSS), the police raided their hideout and arrested the suspects and their leader Mr. Ajonye Peter.
A Press statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Anene Sewuse Catherine, said, the ctizens were going about their normal businesses before the hunters decided to cut the hair of these persons for reasons best known to them.
“On 26th April, 2022, a group of persons who assembled themselves unlawfully under the umbrella of NHFSS and leadership of one Mr. Ajonye Peter embarked on a rally to showcase themselves in some Communities as a legal entity without notifying the police and without any authority to operate.” She said
She further revealed that the arrest and investigation were as a result of complaints brought forward by victims of the assault during the unauthorized unlawful assembly by the suspects who are set to appear in court on Friday.
She maintained that the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cp. Wale Abbas, condemned the barbaric and dehumanizing act as well as the unlawful assembly of this group.
According to her, the CP assured that, the Command under his watch will not allow lawlessness hence, the suspects will be dealt with in accordance with the laws.
He commended public spirited persons who guided the victims to take lawful steps towards addressing this issue and pledged his commitment to handle issues promptly.
