Relief In Benue As Police Free Eight Kidnap Victims, Nab Two Suspects

The Benue State Police Command has rescued a Catholic priest and seven other people who were abducted in Ohimini Local Government Area, while two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Aondongu explained that the victims, excluding the priest, were abducted by armed men on October 13 while returning from a village market along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road, near Ipiga village in Ohimini Local Government Area.

He said the victims were rescued in two separate operations. Two were freed on October 16, while the remaining six were rescued on Sunday, October 18.

Following their release, all eight victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo for medical examinations and treatment.

The police spokesperson identified the arrested suspects as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, adding that they were assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries into the abduction.

Aondongu said security operatives were continuing efforts to locate and arrest other members of the suspected gang who escaped during the operation.

The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers involved in the rescue operation for their prompt response and professionalism.

Nwadiogbu 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.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-led operations and sustained security efforts across the state.

He also urged residents to provide timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities to assist security agencies in preventing further attacks and apprehending criminal suspects.

The police assured residents that efforts to track down the fleeing suspects were ongoing as investigations into the abduction continued.