Police Rescue Eight Kidnapped Victims In Benue, Arrest Two Suspects

The Benue State Police Command said it has recorded another operational success in its sustained efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in the State, following the rescue of eight kidnapped victims and the arrest of two suspects in Ohimini Local Government Area.

The development followed a kidnapping incident on Tuesday, 13th October 2026, at about 2015hrs, when armed men abducted a Reverend Father and some other persons returning from a village market along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road, before Ipiga Village in Ohimini LGA.

However, Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Command, DSP Orchia Aondongu, noted in a statement on Monday that upon receipt of the report, operatives of the Command, in conjunction with personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, were immediately mobilised to the area and launched a coordinated rescue operation.

The operation led to the successful rescue of eight victims, with two rescued on 16th October 2026 and six on 18th October 2026.

According to the Command, the rescued victims have been taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, for medical examination and necessary medical attention.

In the course of the rescue operations, two suspects, identified as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, were arrested. Both suspects are currently assisting with the ongoing investigation, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the AIG, Police Mobile Force (PMF), for their unwavering support to the Command in the ongoing fight against violent crime in the State.

He also commended the operatives for their prompt response, professionalism, and commitment to the protection of lives and property, reassuring residents of the Command’s readiness and determination to sustain intelligence-led operations and deny criminal elements the opportunity to threaten the peace and security of the State.

The Command called on members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations. Residents are also urged to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station promptly.