Policemen have neutralized three suspected kidnappers and successfully rescued two victims in Benue State.
The suspected kidnappers had reportedly abducted two individuals in the Ukum Local Government Area of the state and demanded a ransom of N23 million for their release.
The victims had been held captive for about a week.
Confirming the operation, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, disclosed that a team from Operation Zenda, deployed to the area, raided the hideout of the suspected kidnappers in the early hours of Wednesday.
Anene stated, “On 29/5/2024 at about 0600hrs, officers of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force stormed the kidnappers’ hideout.
On sighting the police, the kidnappers led by the gang leader Tersue Dada aka ‘Causer’ engaged the team in a gun duel but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the police.”
She further revealed that three suspects sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter and were later confirmed dead at the hospital.
Additionally, one suspect, identified as Terver Tavershima of Tinenune, Ukum LGA, was arrested.
The police team also recovered significant items from the scene, including one AK-47 rifle, one dane gun, assorted phones, a camouflage uniform, and a motorcycle.
The rescued victims, who were unharmed, narrated their ordeal to the police, revealing that they were abducted from their homes and a ransom of N23 million was demanded for their release.
Assuring continued efforts to tackle banditry in the Sankara axis and ensure the safety of residents, Commissioner of Police Hassan Yabanet urged the public to collaborate with law enforcement authorities.
