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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has bursted a kidnappers’ hideout in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, killed three suspects and rescued two victims.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Hassan Yabanet, made the disclosure in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi, yesterday. He also stated that one of the suspected kidnappers was arrested during the raid.
The statement noted that the command, under the leadership of CP Hassan Yabanet, has intensified operations across the state, particularly in the Sankara axis; Logo, Ukum and Katsina-Ala LGAs. The operation is geared towards returning farmers to their farm lands and curbing banditry in the area.
The Commissioner said: “On 29/5/2024, at about 0600hrs, officers of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) stormed a kidnap hideout at Utanger Council Ward in Katsina-Ala LGA. On sighting the police, the kidnappers, led by the gang leader, Tersue Dada, aka “Causer”, engaged the team in a gun duel, but were overpowered by the superior fire power of the police.
“Consequently, three suspects sustained gunshot injuries and were eventually confirmed dead at the hospital,
while one of the suspects, Terver Tavershima, of Tinenune, Ukum LGA, was arrested. One AK-47 rifle, one dane gun, assorted phones, camouflage uniform and a motorcycle were recovered from the scene, while two victims were rescued unhurt,” he said.
The statement quoted the victims to have stated that they were kidnapped from their homes at Ukum LGA, about a week ago, and the sum of N23 million was placed on them as ransom to be paid by their families.
The police commissioner called on the people of Sankera to cooperate with the police teams sent to the area, as they continue to take the fight to criminals in the area.
