By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has rescued eight kidnap victims and arrested two suspects following a coordinated security operation in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were abducted by armed men on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at about 8:15 p.m., while returning from a village market along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road, near Ipiga Village. Those abducted included a Reverend Father and several other persons.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Orchia Peter Aondongu, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the rescue operation was conducted in collaboration with the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
According to the statement, security operatives rescued two victims on October 16 and six others on October 18, bringing the total number of rescued victims to eight.
The victims were subsequently taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, for medical examinations and necessary treatment.
The police also confirmed the arrest of two suspects, identified as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, during the operation.
The suspects are currently assisting with investigations as security operatives intensify efforts to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal gang who remain at large.
The command said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction and identify all those connected with the crime.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, commended the operatives for their swift response, professionalism and commitment to protecting lives and property.
He also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force for their continued support in the fight against violent crime.
Nwadiogbu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.
He assured residents that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would continue to intensify efforts to protect communities and prevent criminal elements from disrupting public peace.
The command urged members of the public to provide credible and timely information that could assist ongoing investigations and facilitate the arrest of the fleeing suspects.
Residents were also advised to report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station to support security operations.
The successful rescue of the eight victims and the arrest of two suspects represent a significant development in the ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping in Benue State.
However, the police stressed that efforts to track down the remaining suspects would continue until all those allegedly involved in the crime were brought to justice.
