FIC REPORT (BENUE STATE) – The Benue State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes, following the successful rescue of eight abducted persons and the arrest of two suspected kidnappers in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, 19th October 2026, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on Tuesday, 13th October 2026, at about 8:15 p.m., when armed men reportedly abducted a Reverend Father and other persons returning from a village market along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road, near Ipiga Village in Ohimini LGA.
Following the report, operatives of the Benue State Police Command, in collaboration with personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, immediately launched a coordinated rescue operation to secure the release of the victims.
The operation yielded positive results, with two victims rescued on 16th October and six others on 18th October 2026, bringing the total number of rescued persons to eight.
The victims were subsequently taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, for medical examination and necessary treatment.
DSP Aondongu further disclosed that two suspects, identified as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, were arrested during the operations.
He explained that the suspects are currently assisting police investigations, while security operatives have intensified efforts to track down other fleeing members of the suspected kidnapping gang.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, psc(+), mnips, PhD, commended the operatives for their swift response, professionalism and dedication to safeguarding lives and property.
The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force for their continued support in strengthening security operations across Benue State.
CP Nwadiogbu reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, curbing kidnapping and restoring public confidence in the security architecture of the state.
He assured residents that the Police Command would remain proactive in tackling emerging security threats and ensuring that criminal elements are denied the opportunity to disrupt peace and stability.
The Commissioner further urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence that could assist ongoing investigations and operations.
He also encouraged residents to report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the nearest police station to enhance community safety.
The Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all individuals connected with the abduction are apprehended and brought to justice.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
