Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have foiled a kidnap attempt on Christmas Day, rescuing a traveller, Geoffrey Akume, after a tense early morning operation along the Gboko-Makurdi Road.
The incident occurred at Tiortu in the early hours of the day as Akume was travelling from Gboko to Makurdi. He was reportedly intercepted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers, who forced him off the road and attempted to take him into a nearby forest.
Confirming the development in a statement released on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said police operatives responded swiftly after receiving a distress alert from the area.
“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 spokesperson said.
“On sighting the police team and hearing the sirens, the perpetrators abandoned the victim and fled into the forest.
“The police patrol team successfully rescued the victim who escaped from the fleeing kidnappers, unhurt and with no ransom paid.
“He was subsequently taken to Abinse Police Station, where the Benue State Commissioner of Police debriefed him and later reunited him with his family.”
Edet disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the officers involved for their prompt action, bravery and professionalism, describing the operation as a clear demonstration of the command’s readiness to respond to threats.
The police chief also reassured residents of Benue State of the command’s continued commitment to the protection of lives and property, particularly during the festive season.
He noted that security has been tightened across the state, with increased patrols, stop-and-search operations and intelligence-driven policing in key areas.
“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,” he said.
“Efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.”