- Igbinomwanhia stated that the perpetrators took advantage of the abandoned Federal Police Highway checkpoint to carry out their criminal act
Twelve kidnapped travellers who were abducted in Benue State on their way to Adamawa from Imo have regained their freedom.
They were rescued by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in the middle belt state.
Force Commander, Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, disclosed the development in a statement on Friday in Makurdi.
He stated that 12 kidnapped victims were rescued by troops of Sector 1 OPWS during an operation on February 21, 2024, at Jootar village in Ukum LGA of Benue State.
According to him, the troops under his watch continued to ramp up offensive against bandits, terrorists and other criminals in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states.
Igbinomwanhia stated that the perpetrators took advantage of the abandoned Federal Police Highway checkpoint to carry out their criminal act, noting that on sighting the aggressive troops of OPWS with superior fire power, the kidnappers fled leaving behind their victims.
“An 18-seater bus belonging to Taraba Express International with Serial Number 212 and Registration Number GKA-371XA Taraba State was recovered from the kidnappers’ den and towed to the troops location.
“The rescued victims are: Mr Sule Abu, 55; Mrs Ashie Shuaibu, 26; Master Suleiman Abdullahi, 3; Mrs Zainab Salau, 35; Mr. Muritala Yussuf, 22; Mrs Zainab Saidu, 45; Mr. Hammed Mamud, 51; Mr. Usman Ali, 27; Mr. Nura Abubakar, 24, Mr. Mohammed Aliyu, 20; Mrs Felicia Asusis, 29; and Mr. Jacob Nathaniel, 22,” he stated.
The Force Commander reiterated that OPWS would continue to collaborate with other security agencies in making Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states safe from any form of criminal activities.
He also assured the general public of the safety of their lives and property.