From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has arrested suspected kidnappers and rescued 10 victims including a medical doctor with the Federal Medical Center, (FMC), Makurdi, Dr Etito Obadiah.
The state Commissioner Of Police, Cp. Okoro Alawari Julius disclosed this while parading suspects at his maiden press briefing at the police command in Makurdi on Monday.
The Commissioner explained that “On 13/05/2023 at about 1900 hours, information was received that Dr Etito Obadiah, a medical doctor with Federal Medical Center, Makurdi was kidnapped at Judges Quarters and his Kidnappers had started negotiation for ransom.
He said during an investigation, a team of Operation Zenda JTF trailed the kidnappers to their hideout at Gaya Village, Utange council ward in Kastina Ala Local Government Area of Benue state.
“On sighting the Police, the kidnappers engaged them in a gun duel that claimed the life of one of the kidnappers; three suspects were arrested while others escaped into a nearby bush with bullet wounds.
“Ten kidnap victims including the doctor were rescued unhurt while items recovered from them include; one locally fabricated AK47 rifle with 10 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, two single barrel rifles, one locally made barrette pistol loaded with three rounds of .9mm live ammunition and two military uniforms” were recovered from them.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the police foiled a kidnap attempt and recovered firearms.
According to him, “On 21/5/2023 at about 1200hrs, while Police teams were on patrol along Makurdi-Lafia road, information was received that some gunmen had accosted a vehicle conveying passengers to Enugu at Daudu with intent to move these passengers to an unknown destination and request for ransom.
“The Police swiftly moved to the scene. On sighting the Police, suspects abandoned their victims and took to their heels. They also abandoned a bag containing military camouflage uniforms and wooden guns. Victims have since been released to continue with their journey while the investigation is ongoing to arrest suspects at large.
The police also arrested the suspected killers of one Babatunde Moses.
“On 20/05/2023 at about 1345hrs information was received at Otukpo Police Division that an unknown corpse was seen at Edikwu river bank with internal organs removed.
“A team of detectives were deployed to the area for investigation. During investigation, it was revealed that the lifeless body was one Babatunde Moses aged 29 years who was last seen sitting with his friends in a burial ceremony.
“The police have arrested five suspects including Idoko Omoru, Eze Emmanuel, Obande Emmanuel, Ameh Peter, and Sunday in connection with the case.
“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the mystery behind the death and removal of internal organs.
The Commissioner assured of his commitment to making sure that the good people of Benue State sleep with their eyes closed.”
Describing the said media as important stakeholders in the fight against crime in Benue state, CP Okoro said: “On my arrival to Benue State Police Command as Commissioner of Police, I have taken time to interact with my predecessor and other stakeholders to be able to understand the current position of security in Benue State.
“In line with my findings, I have re-strategised and drawn a plan to rid Benue state of criminality. This is why I have invited you to join me in this fight and I urge you to accord the same cooperation you have given to my predecessors to me so that we can work together for the peace of Benue State.