Police foil kidnap attempt, rescue five victims in Benue

Police foil kidnap attempt, rescue five victims in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police Command in Benue has foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued five victims along the Ugbokpo–Agatu road in Apa Local Government Area of the state.

Police sources said the incident occurred at about 7:45 p.m. on March 13 when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Apa was conducting visibility policing and confidence-building patrol along the Ugbokpo–Agatu road.

According to the sources, on reaching Ojantelle community, the patrol team encountered suspected kidnappers who had earlier hijacked a Sharon vehicle with registration number EGB 407 YS.

The vehicle, driven by one Danladi John, was conveying four passengers and was travelling from Ugbokpo toward Agatu when it was intercepted by the armed men.

The police team immediately engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, forcing the suspects to abandon the victims and flee into nearby bushes.

All five occupants of the vehicle were rescued unhurt and were allowed to continue their journey.

Police said operatives subsequently combed the surrounding bushes in an effort to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

The command assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the suspects and strengthen security along the road.

Police foil kidnap attempt, rescue five victims in Benue