The Benue State Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt on Christmas Day and successfully rescued a man identified as Geoffrey Akume.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the day at Tiortu, along the Gboko–Makurdi Road. According to the police, Akume was travelling from Gboko to Makurdi when he was intercepted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, explained that the attackers forcefully abducted the victim and were taking him towards a nearby forest when the police were alerted.
“Upon receiving the distress call, operatives of the Benue State Police Command immediately mobilised and launched intensive patrols and a coordinated search of the area,” Edet said.
She added that the swift response paid off as the kidnappers abandoned their victim and fled into the forest on sighting the police patrol team and hearing their sirens.
“The victim was rescued unharmed, and no ransom was paid,” she confirmed.
Akume was taken to Abinse Police Station, where he was debriefed by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, before being reunited with his family.
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Commending the operatives, Emenari praised their quick response, courage and professionalism, noting that their actions prevented what could have been a tragic incident.
The commissioner reassured residents of Benue State of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly during the festive period. He also disclosed that patrols, stop-and-search operations and intelligence-led policing have been intensified across key locations in the state.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through approved emergency channels, as efforts continue to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
