Security operatives in Benue State have arrested three suspected kidnappers in the Ogoli-Ugboju area of Otukpo Local Government Area.
The suspects were apprehended on Sunday following a protest by residents of Otukpo town on Tuesday, calling for action to address the growing insecurity in the region and nearby communities.
In response to the concerns, the police increased their presence by deploying additional officers to tackle the escalating security challenges.
The most recent wave of criminal activity included a Thursday night attack in which armed assailants hijacked a bus operated by the state-run Benue Links transport service. During the attack, two individuals were killed, and 14 passengers were abducted.
However, within 24 hours, the police, in collaboration with the State Protection Guards, successfully rescued the kidnapped passengers.
The three individuals arrested are believed to be members of a larger gang connected to the recent spate of abductions in the area. The suspects—identified as Ibrahim Salleh, Ashimu, and Abuh Umaru—were tracked and captured based on intelligence reports detailing their whereabouts.
Maxwell Ogiri, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, confirmed the arrests and revealed that two other suspects are still at large, with security forces continuing their pursuit.
“We learnt from intelligence report that they are a gang of five kidnappers. Three have been apprehended. Security agents are going after the remaining two and their collaborators,” Ogiri said.
Catherine Anene, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, also verified the operation, stating, “Operation is ongoing in Otukpo, and I am aware that some suspects have been arrested.”
