The Benue State Police Command has rescued eight kidnapped victims and arrested two suspects following a coordinated operation in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were abducted on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at about 8.15 p.m. by armed men who intercepted a Reverend Father and other persons returning from a village market along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road, before Ipiga Village.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, adding that the rescue operation involved police operatives, personnel of the Police Mobile Force and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
According to him, two of the victims were rescued on October 16, while six others were rescued on October 18.
The rescued victims were subsequently taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, for medical examinations and necessary treatment.
Aondongu said the operation also led to the arrest of two suspects, identified as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, who are assisting investigators with efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He added that security operatives were intensifying efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and ensure that everyone involved in the crime was brought to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, commended the operatives for their prompt response, professionalism and commitment to protecting lives and property.
Nwadiogbu also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force for their continued support in the fight against violent crimes in the state.
The commissioner assured residents that the command would sustain intelligence-led operations to prevent criminal activities and protect communities across the state.
He urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, while advising residents to report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station.
