Nigeria: Three suspected kidnappers arrested in Benue State

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Security operatives have apprehended three suspected kidnappers in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. The suspects, identified as Ibrahim Salleh, Ashimu, and Abuh Umaru, were arrested on Sunday around Ogoli-Ugboju in the local government.

According to reports, the suspects were among a gang of five kidnappers who had been terrorizing the area in recent times. The arrest was made possible through intelligence reports and swift action by security operatives.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the arrest and stated that security agents are still on the lookout for the remaining two suspects and their collaborators.

The arrest comes after a recent surge in insecurity in the area, which prompted residents to protest last Tuesday. The police had deployed more officers to the town in response to the rising insecurity.

In a related incident, a bus belonging to the state transport company, Benue Links, was hijacked by gunmen on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of two people and the abduction of 14 passengers. However, the police and State Protection Guards were able to rescue the abductees in less than 24 hours.

The spokesperson for the state command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the arrest and stated that the operation is ongoing in Otukpo. The arrest is a significant breakthrough in the efforts to combat kidnapping and insecurity in the state.