The Benue State Police Command has thwarted an attempted abduction on Christmas Day, rescuing a traveller identified as Geoffrey Akume without injury.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday at Tiortu, along the Gboko–Makurdi Road, according to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet.
Edet said the victim was travelling from Gboko to Makurdi when armed men suspected to be kidnappers intercepted him and forcefully took him away.
“The victim was accosted by suspected kidnappers at Tiortu and was being dragged into a nearby thick forest when the police received a distress call,” she said.
She explained that operatives of the command immediately mobilised and began intensive patrols and a coordinated search of the area.
“Upon sighting the police patrol team and hearing the sirens, the suspects abandoned the victim and fled into the forest,” Edet stated.
She added that the victim was rescued unharmed and no ransom was paid.
“The police patrol team successfully rescued the victim unhurt. He was later taken to Abinse Police Station, where the Commissioner of Police debriefed him before reuniting him with his family,” she said.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, noting that their actions prevented what could have been a tragic incident.
“He reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, especially during the festive season,” Edet said.
According to her, security measures have been heightened across the state.
“Patrols, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-led policing have been intensified across strategic locations in Benue State,” she added.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities, assuring that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
