Abducted Benue lecturer, Godwin Kwanga rescued from kidnappers

The Police in Benue State on Thursday rescued a lecturer with the Benue State University (BSU) in Makurdi from the den of his abductors.

The victim, Dr Godwin Kwanga, a former INEC commissioner and presently lecturing in the Department of Geography at the state-owned university was abducted on Tuesday.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Catherine Anene, said the command had on the same day of the lecturer’s abduction on August 31, 2021, at about 11: 30pm received information that the man was forcefully taken away along the George Akume Way in Makurdi.

Anene stated that “Dr Godwin Kwanga of Gaadi layout, Makurdi who left his business premises along George Akume way was kidnapped by unknown gunmen and taken to an unknown destination.

“Police operatives were deployed immediately to commenced investigation and a Toyota Highlander SUV belonging to the victim was recovered on the same day while the investigation continued.

“On 2nd September 2021 at about 10 am, information was gathered that the victim was held hostage at Tse-Anjov village, Welfare quarters, Makurdi, operatives invaded the hideout and the suspects engaged the police in a gun duel but were overpowered by the police.

“The victim was successfully rescued unhurt while the hoodlums escaped with bullets wounds.”

She added that items recovered from the scene include; one Ak47 rifle loaded with eight live ammunition, 43 expanded ammunition and two Toyota Camry vehicles.

The PPRO advised members of the public to provide useful information to the police about any suspected movement of hoodlums and cooperate with officers who are on trail of the hoodlums.