ACCORDING TO A STATEMENT FROM THE STATE’S SECURITY ADVISER, JOSEPH HAR, Exercise Enduring Peace III troops in Benue State have rescued seven abducted victims from Ogumula Village in the state capital, Makurdi.
Har said the 72 battalions and 401 Brigade troops responded to credible intelligence that some kidnappers were moving with victims in the Igaji area. He added that the soldiers were alerted and moved in to rescue the victims.
The statement further said the rescue was carried out in collaboration with the civilian joint task force. The rescue comes just 24 hours after a group of youths in the state blocked the road leading to the capital, Otukpo, from 11 commuters who were abducted earlier this week.
The protest was sparked by the arrest of one of the alleged kidnappers by policemen. Troops responded quickly to the abduction of seven individuals in Ogumula village on October 9th, 2023, and combed the area for the perpetrators of the crime.
Upon sight of the troops, the perpetrators fled, leaving the victims behind. The rescued individuals were identified as James Ebeh (19 years old), Mary Ejeh (40 years old), Flora Alfa (32), Mary John (27), Ogumula Sunday (18), Filius Ogumala (55), Stephen Onihi (43) and others, who were taken to the Otukpo General Hospital for medical care.
The governor of the state, Hyacinth Alie, declared that the state government was committed to protecting the lives and properties of the people in the area. Those who engage in mischief and crime should make use of this carrot-and-stick approach and avoid all forms and crimes as the sting will be severe and cruel, he said.
