•••Police Arrest Eight Suspects
By Joy Yesufu
The Benue State Police Command has handed over 13 rescued persons abducted by bandits in Otukpo Local Government Area, to Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The rescued victims comprise eight students identified as candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The victims were presented to Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi on Sunday following their release.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Enemari, said the rescue followed sustained pressure on the kidnappers after the abduction, which occurred last Wednesday.
He explained that the breakthrough was achieved through intensified operations, bolstered by the intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, who deployed additional intelligence personnel to the state.
According to him, the operation also involved collaboration with other security agencies and support from the state government.
“Within the period under review, we widened the scope of our operations, leading to the successful rescue of the victims,” Enemari said.
The police chief disclosed that eight suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident, with seven directly linked to the abduction.
He added that ongoing clearance operations in forested areas of Logo and Guma local government areas were part of efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and prevent further attacks.
Governor Alia commended the police and other security agencies for their swift response and commitment to securing the release of the victims.
He described the axis between Taraku and Otukpo as a major hotspot for kidnapping, citing recent incidents involving medical students, traders, and worshippers.
“We cannot allow criminal elements to disrupt the peace of our state. Security agencies must intensify efforts to flush out all those involved in these acts,” the governor said.
Alia also appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the UTME for the affected candidates, assuring that the state government would take responsibility for their welfare.
One of the rescued victims, Akor Odinakachukwu Jessica, recounted her harrowing experience in captivity.
She said she was travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo to sit for her examination when their vehicle was intercepted by armed men.
“They forced us into the bush and made us trek for hours. We drank from a lake used by animals because we were very thirsty. They kept moving us from one place to another and flogged us along the way,” she said.
Jessica added that the kidnappers later demanded a ransom of N10 million per victim, threatening to kill them if payment was not made.
“We were given phones to call our families. When we were hungry, they gave us poorly prepared food. It was a terrible experience,” she said.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
