Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have successfully foiled a kidnap attempt on Christmas Day. They rescued a traveller identified as Geoffrey Akume during a swift and coordinated early morning operation along the Gboko Makurdi Road.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the day at Tiortu, a community along the busy Gboko Makurdi corridor, as Akume was travelling from Gboko to Makurdi. According to reports, armed men suspected to be kidnappers intercepted his journey, forced him off the road, and attempted to take him into a nearby forest believed to be a hideout for criminal activities in the area.
Confirming the development in an official statement released on Thursday, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed that police operatives responded swiftly after receiving a distress alert from residents and road users in the area.
Edet explained that upon receiving the information, officers immediately mobilised and launched intensive patrols and a coordinated search operation across the affected axis.
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.
The swift response reportedly put pressure on the suspected kidnappers. They abandoned the victim and fled into the forest upon sighting the police patrol team and hearing the sound of sirens.
The victim was successfully rescued unhurt, with no ransom paid. This brought major relief to his family and the travelling public. He was subsequently taken to Abinse Police Station, where he was formally debriefed by the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari.
After the debriefing, Akume was reunited with his family, bringing the incident to a safe and positive conclusion.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, Commissioner Emenari praised their prompt response, bravery, and professionalism. He described the successful rescue as a clear demonstration of the command’s readiness and commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety across the state.
The police chief further reassured residents of Benue State that the command remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property, particularly during the festive season when criminal activities tend to increase.
He disclosed that security has been significantly tightened across the state. Increased patrols, stop and search operations, and intelligence driven policing have been deployed to strategic locations and major highways.
Emenari urged residents and travellers to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through approved emergency channels.
He added that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects. He assured the public that those responsible for the attempted kidnap would be brought to justice.
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