The police command in Benue foiled a kidnap on Christmas Day. The command’s spokesperson, Udeme Edet, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Ms Edet said the incident occurred in the early hours of the day at Tiortu, along Gboko-Makurdi Road.

The police spokesperson explained that the victim, Geoffrey Akume, who was in transit from Gboko to Makurdi, was accosted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers at Tiortu.

She said they seized the victim and were in the process of taking him deeper into a nearby thick forest.

“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.

“On sighting the police team and hearing the sirens, the perpetrators abandoned the victim and fled into the forest. The victim who escaped from the fleeing kidnappers was successfully rescued by the police patrol team, unhurt and with no ransom paid.

“He was subsequently taken to Abinse Police Station, where he was debriefed by the Benue State commissioner of police and later reunited with his family,” she said.

Ms Edet said the police commissioner, Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the swift response, courage, and professionalism of the operatives involved in the operation.

Mr Emenari reassured the good people of Benue of the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, especially during the festive season.

He further assured residents that patrols, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-led policing have been intensified across strategic locations in the state.

“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. Efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects,” she said.

(NAN)