Security operatives nab three kidnappers in Benue

Security men have arrested three suspected kidnappers in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The suspects were reportedly apprehended on Sunday around Ogoli-Ugboju in the local government.

Residents of Otukpo town had last Tuesday protested rising insecurity in the area and nearby communities.

Police claimed that it had deployed more officers to the town following the rise in insecurity.

A bus belonging to the state transport company known as ‘Benue Links’ was hijacked late hours of Thursday by gunmen who killed two people and abducted 14 passengers.

However, policemen in collaboration with the State Protection Guards were able to rescue the abductees in less than 24 hours.

Our correspondent learnt that the three suspects arrested were among the kidnappers who had been terrorising the area in recent times.

Confirming the arrest, Chairman of Otukpo LG, Maxwell Ogiri said security operatives who sighted the kidnappers, chased and apprehended them.

He gave names of the arrested suspects as Ibrahim Salleh, Ashimu and Abuh Umaru.

He said, “We learnt from an 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.”

Also confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the state command, Catherine Anene said, “Operation is ongoing in Otukpo and am aware that some suspects have been arrested.”

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