Ogbadibo: Police rescue eight abductees in Orokam, arrest 10 suspects

The Benue State Police Command has rescued eight kidnapped victims in Orokam, Ogbadibo Local Government Area, following a successful operation that forced suspected kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee into the bush.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists in Makurdi on recent breakthroughs recorded by the Command in its ongoing crackdown on criminal activities across the state.

According to the Commissioner, the victims were abducted around Adupi in Orokam before police operatives swung into action after receiving a distress call.

He said tactical teams, in collaboration with the Police Mobile Force and local vigilantes, stormed the area and engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon the victims.

“The kidnappers fled into the bush, leaving behind all eight victims, who were rescued unharmed without the payment of any ransom,” Nwadiogbu said.

He added that security operatives recovered a locally fabricated single-barrel gun and a military uniform from the scene during the operation.

The police boss described the rescue as part of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led policing and collaboration with local communities.

“What you will hear and see today are not just statistics or exhibits; they are testaments to the resilience of our officers, the synergy with other security agencies, and the cooperation of well-meaning residents of Benue State,” he stated.

Beyond the Orokam operation, the Command also announced the neutralisation of three suspected armed bandits during a gun battle along the Vaase-Chito Road in Gbeji, Ukum Local Government Area. An AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of live ammunition and a motorcycle were recovered from the suspects.

The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of a 40-year-old woman, Ashide Nyityon, over the alleged trafficking of two young women from Naka in Gwer West Local Government Area. Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly lured the victims to Lagos with promises of employment before facilitating their movement to Ghana, where they were reportedly sold into prostitution.

He said the victims eventually escaped and returned home, while the suspect is assisting investigators in tracking other members of the trafficking syndicate.

Other arrests announced by the Command include a woman accused of abandoning two-day-old twins in Vandeikya Local Government Area and a 28-year-old suspect, Akpehe Tyoakaa, arrested in Daudu for allegedly attacking and robbing a commercial motorcyclist.

Nwadiogbu reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain its offensive against criminal elements and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies to enhance safety across Benue State.