Benue killings: Police neutralise two suspected bandits after 13 die in Otukpo attack

The Benue State Police Command has expressed regret over the killing of 13 people during a deadly attack on Efeyi Ugboju Community in Otukpo Local Government Area, saying two suspected bandits were neutralised during a follow-up security operation.

The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 28, 2026, when armed attackers invaded the community and allegedly targeted cattle belonging to a resident, Mr Peter Ambulus.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondona, the command said police operatives were deployed to the area after receiving a distress call.

According to preliminary police findings, the attackers rustled 20 cattle and opened fire on farmers they encountered while fleeing from the community.

The attack claimed 13 lives, according to the police. The incident caused fear and tension in Efeyi Ugboju and nearby communities, with residents expressing concerns over renewed attacks in parts of Otukpo Local Government Area.

Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, visited the affected community to assess the security situation and coordinate the response.

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The police commissioner subsequently led tactical teams on a coordinated clearance operation aimed at tracking down the attackers, recovering the stolen cattle and preventing further violence.

During the operation, the police team reportedly came under an ambush from suspected members of the cattle-rustling syndicate, resulting in a gun battle.

The command said two suspected bandits were neutralised during the exchange, while security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of ammunition.

Police said tactical teams were continuing to comb nearby forests and surrounding communities in search of fleeing suspects. The operation is also focused on recovering the stolen cattle and ensuring that everyone connected to the attack is identified and brought to justice.

The Commissioner of Police condemned the killings and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He directed tactical and operational commanders to sustain the security operation until all members of the criminal group were apprehended.

The police command reassured residents that efforts were being intensified to restore normalcy and strengthen security in Efeyi Ugboju and surrounding communities.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in locating the fleeing suspects and supporting ongoing investigations.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Benue State, particularly in communities where residents have continued to report attacks and threats to lives, livelihoods and agricultural activities.

Police said the clearance operation would continue as investigations progressed, while security agencies work to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects.

Benue killings: Police neutralise two suspected bandits after 13 die in Otukpo attack

“God Revealed You’re My Wife”: Ghana Police Arrest Fake Pastor Over Romance Scam

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a suspected romance scammer, Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, for allegedly defrauding several women through false marriage promises and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, marking the latest in a series of high-profile cybercrime arrests in the country. The 35-year-old suspect was arraigned alongside his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, before the Accra Circuit Court 1 on charges of conspiracy to commit crime, defrauding by false pretences, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images, with Kwarteng facing a further charge of non-consensual sharing of intimate images which the prosecution said would be tried separately at the High Court .

Preliminary investigations indicate that Kwarteng posed as a pastor conducting online church services on Instagram, where he targeted vulnerable women and claimed that God had revealed they were his future wives, a tactic designed to exploit the faith and trust of his victims. To gain their trust, he allegedly went as far as meeting their families and presenting them with promise rings to reinforce his claims of marriage, creating elaborate illusions of genuine romantic intent . Reports also suggest the suspect may have targeted victims in both Ghana and Nigeria, with allegations involving more than ten women, indicating a cross-border dimension to the fraudulent scheme .

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The suspect is also accused of obtaining intimate images from some victims and using them to blackmail them for money, leveraging their vulnerability and fear of exposure to extract financial payments . Additionally, he allegedly introduced some victims to a fake car tyre business, collecting thousands of dollars from them under the pretext of shipping and clearing containers of tyres, after which he became unreachable, leaving his victims financially devastated . Investigations further revealed that Kwarteng shared the intimate images of some victims with his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, who is also accused of threatening the victims, demonstrating a coordinated effort to exploit the women .

Seven victims have so far reported the matter to the Police, with investigations indicating that the alleged offences date back to 2021, suggesting the suspect operated undetected for several years . The prosecution told the court that the complainants include an ambassador and businesswomen, with reported losses including US$33,000, US$4,000, GHS25,000, GHS22,000, and other foreign currencies, highlighting the significant financial harm caused by the scheme . Police believe there could be more victims who have not yet come forward and have appealed to anyone who may have experienced similar incidents involving the suspect to report to the nearest Police station .

The court remanded Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng into Police custody to reappear on August 6, 2026, while Sally Akosua Amoasah was granted bail of GHS100,000 with two sureties and ordered to report to investigators every Monday and Friday, conditions designed to ensure her availability for ongoing investigations . The prosecution also informed the court that Kwarteng is wanted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in connection with separate investigations, suggesting the suspect may have been involved in other criminal activities beyond the romance fraud allegations . A video also surfaced on social media showing Kwarteng on a date with one of his alleged victims, discussing engagement ring sizes, further corroborating the allegations against him and providing visual evidence of his deceptive tactics .

The Ghana Police Service continues to receive complaints from other possible victims and has urged the public to exercise caution when engaging with individuals on social media who make extraordinary claims or solicit money for business ventures, particularly where relationships are built primarily through online interactions . Police have also advised the public to verify the identities and backgrounds of individuals they meet online, especially those who request financial assistance or intimate images .

“God Revealed You’re My Wife”: Ghana Police Arrest Fake Pastor Over Romance Scam