Operatives of Benue State Police Command on Wednesday, May 29, neutralised a suspected leader of a kidnap gang, Tersue Dada a.k.a ‘Causer,’ and two others, while another suspect, Terver Tavershima, was arrested after a gun duel.
Two kidnap victims were rescued unhurt by the police operatives.
Confirming this in a statement, the command’s spokeswoman, SP Catherine Anene, said that at about 6am, officers of the Operation Zenda JTF stormed a kidnap hideout at Utange council ward, Kastina-Ala Local Government Area.
However, on sighting the police, the suspected kidnappers, led by the gang leader, engaged the team in a gun duel, but were overpowered by the superior fire power of the law enforcement agents.
“Consequently, three suspects sustained gunshot injuries and were eventually confirmed dead at the hospital while one of the suspects, Terver Tavershima of Tinenune, Ukum LGA, was arrested.
“Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle, one dane gun, assorted phones, camouflage uniform and a motorcycle,” the PPRO stated.
The rescued victims, who narrated their experience, said that they were kidnapped from their homes at Ukum LGA about a week ago , with a ransom of N23 million placed on them, to be paid by their families.
Elated about the command’s achievement, the Commissioner of Police, Hassan Steve Yabanet, said that operations were intensified across the state, particularly in Sankera axis, to restore confidence in farmers and make them go back to their farm lands, in addition to curbing banditry in the area.
The Commissioner of Police called on the good people of Sankera to cooperate with police teams sent to the area as they continue to take the fight to criminals in the area.
