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Eight people, including a Catholic priest, have been freed from kidnappers in Benue State following a security operation that also led to the arrest of two suspected members of the criminal gang.
The priest, Rev. Fr. John Otache, serves in the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo. He and the other victims were reportedly seized by gunmen while returning from a market along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road, close to Ipiga village in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The abduction prompted a search involving police operatives, the Police Mobile Force and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards. Their efforts eventually resulted in the victims’ release over several days, with two freed on October 16 and the remaining six recovered on October 18.
Police spokesperson DSP Peter Aondongu confirmed the development, disclosing that officers arrested two suspects, Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, in connection with the incident.
Following their rescue, the eight victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo for medical assessment and treatment.
The police said investigations were continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the abduction and identify other individuals who may have participated in the operation. Security personnel were also working to apprehend fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, praised the officers and other security personnel involved in the operation. He also called on residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing useful information that could help prevent further kidnappings and other criminal activities.
