The Benue State Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt on Christmas Day and rescued a man identified as Geoffrey Akume.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday in Makurdi. She said the incident happened in the early hours of the day at Tiortu, along the Gboko–Makurdi Road.
According to Edet, Akume was travelling from Gboko to Makurdi when he was intercepted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers. The attackers forcefully abducted him and were taking him towards a nearby forest when the police were alerted.
“Upon receipt of the distress information, operatives of the Benue State Police Command swiftly swung into action, launching intensive patrols and a coordinated search of the area,” Edet said.
She explained that the suspects abandoned their victim and fled into the forest on sighting the police patrol team and hearing the sound of sirens.
The victim was rescued unhurt, and no ransom was paid. He was later taken to Abinse Police Station, where he was debriefed by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, before being reunited with his family.
Edet said the Commissioner of Police commended the officers involved for their swift response, courage and professionalism.
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Emenari also reassured residents of Benue State of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, especially during the festive period. He added that patrols, stop-and-search operations and intelligence-led policing have been intensified across key locations in the state.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through approved emergency channels, assuring that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
