Eighty-three cultists and criminals have been arrested by the police in Benue state, following a crackdown on black spots during the festive period.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Mohammed Mukadass who paraded the suspects before newsmen on Wednesday January 6, said the suspects were arrested with 10 firearms and seven live ammunition.

The commissioner further disclosed that with the seizure and alleged burning of motorcycles in the troubled Sankera axis of the state, the erstwhile hotbed of deceased militia leader, Terwase Akwaza, has drastically reduced the rate of criminal activities in the area.