Deneen Igbana: killed at home

Richard Elesho

Wife of Benue State Deputy Governor, Justice Mary Abounu was among the people that narrowly escaped unhurt when gunmen invaded the premises of three courts in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. Reports say that the gunmen, numbering about ten stormed the premises of High Court 9, Magisrate Court and Upper Area Court in the early hours of today when workers were settling down in their offices. The courts were situated about 500 meters away from the State Police Headquarters.

The gunmen allegedly shot sporadically into the air as they held judges and lawyers hostage while ransacking the temples of justice for computers, printers, a refrigerator, documents and other valuables which they carted away. TheNews learnt that after the operations, the daredevil robbers brought out new padlock to secure one of courts they raided.

Mr Isaac Ajim, the Magistrate in charge of Chief Magistrate Court1 narrated their ordeal to the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Michael Gusa. He told the commissioner that the robbers broke the locks and escaped with several valuables.. Mr. Ajim recalled that after the criminals had done with his Court, they proceeded to High Court 9, presided over by wife of the deputy Governor, where they also continued with their dishonorable actions. They also allegedly left empty bottles on their trail.

At the Upper Area Court, the registrar, Mrs Sarah Gboji told the Justice Commissioner that the thieves made away with N280,000. It was also revealed from the courts that the criminals after they have done with their mission, brought their own padlock and locked up the court entrance.

It was not certain what constituted the motives of the invaders. It however gathered from anonymous source in one of the invaded courts that the invasion may not be devoid of political undertones as the courts were said to be handling some high profile but culpable homicide cases.

The Commissioner for Justice condemned the action of the criminals, sympathized with the victims and advised youths to imbibe the habit of hard work and shun criminality. He called on youths to embrace the amnesty programme of the state governor instead of engaging in criminal activities and assured that the perpetrators of the act will be fished out and brought to book..

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Moses Yamu confirmed the incident and disclosed that the police is determined to uncover the perpetrators.

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