Benue police foil Christmas day kidnap, rescue victim
The Benue State Police Command successfully prevented a kidnapping attempt on Christmas Day, rescuing a man identified as Geoffrey Akume without any ransom paid.
According to the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the incident occurred in the early hours along Gboko/Makurdi Road at Tiortu.
Victim rescued after early morning kidnap attempt
The victim was reportedly travelling from Gboko to Makurdi when armed men, suspected to be kidnappers, intercepted him.
“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,” Edet said.
The police team located the victim as the kidnappers attempted to move him into a nearby forest.
“On sighting the police team and hearing the sirens, the perpetrators abandoned the victim and fled into the forest,” she added.
Police praise swift response and professionalism
The rescued man was taken to Abinse Police Station, debriefed by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, and later reunited with his family.
Emenari commended the swift response and professionalism of the officers involved.
“Efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects,” he said. He also reassured residents that patrols, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-led policing have been intensified across strategic locations in the state.
“Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through approved emergency channels,” Edet added.
The operation highlights the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives, particularly during the festive season.
