Benue Police Foil Christmas Day Kidnap, Rescue Victim Unharmed

Benue Police Foil Christmas Day Kidnap, Rescue Victim Unharmed

The Benue State Police Command successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt on Christmas Day, rescuing Geoffrey Akume unharmed. The incident occurred in the early hours along Gboko/Makurdi Road at Tiortu, police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet confirmed in a statement on Thursday.

According to Edet, the victim, who was traveling from Gboko to Makurdi, was accosted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers and forcefully abducted with the intention of taking him deeper into a nearby forest.

“Upon receipt of the distress information, operatives of the Benue State Police Command swiftly swung into action, conducting 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,” Edet said.

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The victim was rescued without paying any ransom and was subsequently taken to Abinse Police Station, where he was debriefed by Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, before being reunited with his family.

Commissioner Emenari commended the swift response, courage, and professionalism of the operatives and reassured the public of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, especially during the festive season.

He added that patrols, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-led policing have been intensified across strategic locations in the state. Members of the public were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through approved emergency channels.

“Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects,” Edet added.

Benue Police Foil Christmas Day Kidnap, Rescue Victim Unharmed