Benue: Police rescue four kidnap victims after gun battle along Orokam–Owukpa road

Benue State police have rescued four abducted persons after a fierce gunfight with kidnappers along the Orokam–Owukpa road in Ogbadibo Local Government Area.

Police sources said the operation began on September 25 when a patrol team from Orokam Division received a distress call about suspicious movements near the River Enumabia bank. The Divisional Police Officer quickly deployed tactical teams for a search-and-rescue mission.

During the operation, officers exchanged gunfire with the abductors, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds and leaving their captives behind.

The rescued victims include Ogbonna Ifeanyi and Abubu Ogochukwu of Enugu Ezike; Caleb Mbah, a pharmacy operator from Ohebe Orba in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State; and Ruth Chinemere, also from Ohebe Orba.

Investigators revealed that Mbah was first abducted from his pharmacy on September 20. On September 25, the kidnappers demanded a N5 million ransom, leading Ogbonna and Abubu to deliver the payment, but they were also seized and held with the others.

A villager’s tip-off about unusual activity in the bush triggered the successful police raid.

The victims have since received first aid at Orokam General Hospital and will be reunited with their families after debriefing, while a manhunt continues for the fleeing suspects.