The Benue State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a kidnapping gang following the rescue of a Catholic priest and seven other abducted victims in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were freed during a series of rescue operations, with the police saying efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who escaped.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026.
According to Aondongu, the victims, excluding the priest, were abducted on October 13 while returning from a village market along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road, near Ipiga village in Ohimini LGA.
The police spokesperson explained that the victims were rescued in two separate operations.
Two of the abductees regained their freedom on October 16, while the remaining six were rescued on Sunday, October 18.
Following their rescue, all eight victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo for medical examinations and necessary treatment.
The command confirmed the arrest of two suspects, identified as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, in connection with the incident.
Aondongu said the suspects were assisting investigators as security operatives intensified efforts to track down other members of the gang who remain at large.
Police Commissioner Commends Officers
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers involved in the rescue operation, praising their swift response and professionalism.
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He also acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force.
Nwadiogbu reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-led operations and sustained security efforts across the state.
Police Seek Public Cooperation
The command urged residents to assist security agencies by providing credible and timely information about suspicious movements and activities within their communities.
According to the police, public cooperation remains important to preventing further attacks, identifying criminal networks and bringing those responsible for the abductions to justice.
The command added that efforts to locate and arrest the fleeing suspects were continuing.