The Makurdi Upper Area Court on Thursday ordered the remand of 15 people in prison custody for kidnapping four persons and killing one.

The suspects, who reside at various addresses in Utonkon in the Ado LGA of Benue, were charged with criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and culpable homicide.

However, the magistrate, Vershima Hwande, did not take their plea for want of jurisdiction.

The magistrate adjourned the matter until February 27 for further mention.

The prosecution counsel, Veronica Shaagee, told the court that the case was transferred from the Divisional Police Headquarters, Obarike, Ito, in Obi LGA, via a letter dated January 3 to the state CID, Makurdi on the same date.

Ms Shaagee said the letter stated that RevSimon Ogbaji and Mr Akpo Ajah had reported the matter at the Obarike Police Station on January 2.

The complainants said the alleged kidnappers, numbering about 20, attacked and abducted four members of their family.

They stated that the kidnapped persons were Joyce Ajunwa, Benjamin Ajunwa, Michelle Ajunwa and Onyeje Ogwuche.

The complainants said the victims were kidnapped at Opirikwu/Ijegwu road in Obi LGA.

They further stated that in the process of struggling, the kidnappers inflicted various degrees of injuries on one of the victims, Peter Ajunwa and left him in a state of coma.

The prosecutor said sequel to the report, the joint operations in conjunction with the police, military and Benue Volunteer Guard swung into action in search of the kidnappers.

She said the joint security operatives received further information that the kidnappers were seen at Obusa Village in Oju LGA of Benue.

The prosecutor said that on sighting the security operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, which resulted in some of them sustaining gunshot wounds.

She said the victim was rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital but was later confirmed dead by the medical practitioners.

Ms Shaagee said 15 of the suspected kidnappers were arrested at Obusa in connection with the crimes.

She said the offences contravened sections 97 and 222 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue, 2004 and 3(2) of Abduction, Hostage-taking, Kidnapping, Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Laws of Benue, 2017.

(NAN)