Police Thwart Christmas Day Abduction, Rescue Traveller In Benue

According to Ireporter Online, operatives of the Benue State Police Command have successfully foiled a kidnap attempt on Christmas Day, rescuing a traveller, Geoffrey Akume, during an early morning operation along the Gboko–Makurdi Road.

The incident reportedly occurred at Tiortu in the early hours of the day while Akume was travelling from Gboko to Makurdi. He was said to have been intercepted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers, who diverted his movement and attempted to force him into a nearby forest.

Police authorities disclosed that operatives swiftly mobilised after receiving a distress alert from the area. Security patrols and a coordinated search were immediately launched, forcing the suspects to abandon their victim and flee into the surrounding forest upon sighting police officers and hearing sirens.

The victim was rescued unharmed, with no ransom paid, and was subsequently taken to the Abinse Police Station, where he was debriefed by the Benue State Commissioner of Police before being reunited with his family.

Ireporter Online further gathered that the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, praised the officers involved for their prompt response, courage and professionalism, noting that the operation underscored the command’s preparedness to tackle security threats.

The police leadership reassured residents of Benue State of continued efforts to safeguard lives and property, especially during the festive period. Security measures across the state have reportedly been intensified, including increased patrols, stop-and-search operations and intelligence-led policing in strategic locations.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through approved emergency channels, as efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.