Soldiers rescue 28-year-old kidnap victim, arrest two in Benue
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued a 28-year-old woman identified as Mrs Member Ityavber at Tse-Ubena village in Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, and made available to journalists on Thursday.
According to Lt Zubairu, the rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with the state security outfit known as the Benue Civil Protection Guard.
The statement read partly, “Troops responded to reports of kidnapping activities at Tse-Ubena village in Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. Troops deployed from Tor-Donga, in conjunction with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, conducted the operation.
The OPWS spokesperson added that two suspected armed herders were also arrested at Mbapa and Mbabuande in Gwer West Local Government Area of the state.
Lt Zubairu said the troops, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a thorough search and discovered an abandoned suspected criminal hideout.
“Troops continued clearance operations with further exploitation across River Akpako, leading to the arrest of two suspects who are currently in custody undergoing further investigation,” the statement read partly.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to ensuring a secure environment, particularly as communities prepare for the farming season.
