Benue: Police kill suspected kidnapper, arrest one, rescue victim

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The police in Benue State have rescued the President-General of the Kunav United Development Association (KUDA), Deacon Emmanuel Yaji, less than 24 hours after he was abducted.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, disclosed this in a statement she made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday evening.

Yaji, who heads the umbrella organisation of the Kunav people from Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA) of the State, was abducted from his hometown at about 9 pm on December 30, 2024.

It was said that he was kidnapped at Tsar Mbaduku, in Vandeikya LGA, while he was relaxing with his friends.

The PPRO said that following the report of his kidnap, an intense rescue operation was launched, and the victim was rescued unhurt and has been reunited with friends and family.

According to her, “On 31/12/2024 at about 1300hrs, the police team in Kwande LGA located the kidnappers at Nambe in Adikpo town and engaged them in a gun duel.

“One of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. One of the suspects was arrested while two others took to their heels.”

She said items recovered from the deceased suspect include one AK-47 rifle loaded with 12 rounds of live ammunition and three AK-47 magazines.

The police spokesperson said further investigation to arrest the suspects at large is ongoing.