Christmas Day: Police foil kidnap attempt in Benue, rescue

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has successfully foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued the victim unhurt in the early hours of December 25.

A statement signed by the police public relations officer in the state, Udeme Edet, a deputy superintendent of police, and made bailable to newsmen, said the incident occurred at about 0300 hours of the day along Tiortu area, when one Akume Geoffrey, ‘M’ who was transiting from Gboko to Makurdi was accosted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers. The suspects forcefully abducted the victim and were in the process of taking him deeper into a nearby thick forest.

Upon receipt of the distress information, operatives of the Benue State Police Command swiftly swung into action and commenced intensive patrols and a coordinated search of the area. On sighting the police team and hearing the sirens, the perpetrators abandoned the victim and fled into the forest.

The victim, who escaped from the fleeing kidnappers, was successfully rescued by police patrol team unhurt and with no ransom paid. He was subsequently taken to Abinse Police Station where he was debriefed by the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, and later reunited with his family.

Emenari commended the swift response, courage, and professionalism of the operatives involved in the operation. He reassured the people of Benue State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, especially during the festive season.

Emenari further assured residents that patrols, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-led policing have been intensified across strategic locations in the state.

He encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through approved emergency channels.

He said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.