By Milcah Tanimu
Troops from the 401 Special Forces Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working with Sector One, rescued a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and six other victims from kidnappers in Tse-Annaka, near Wukari/Zaki-Biam in the Ukum local government area of Benue State.
The operation freed 29-year-old law graduate Samuel Muekara along with Anaelechi Bob, 32; Ayuba Luka, 28; Ibrahim Umar, 30; Rabiu Muhammad, 48; Buhari Ahmadu Saleh, 17; and Blessing Ayuba, 47.
A security source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, identified the kidnappers operating in the Sankara axis as members of the notorious gang previously led by the late Terwase Akwaza, known as Gana. He explained, “The armed bandits are well known to the local population, yet residents hesitate to provide information due to fear.”
The source emphasized that community cooperation plays a vital role in enhancing security efforts. “Residents must help security agencies by sharing information about criminal activities in their areas,” he stated.
At a military camp in Zaki-Biam, some of the rescued victims shared their harrowing experiences. They explained that kidnappers held them hostage for several days before the military intervened.
“They moved us to nearby villages like Chito, Adamawa, Atereyange, Ututu, and Pevkyaa, which the armed bandits used as hideouts,” one victim recounted. “Kidnapping has become their main source of income, and they carry it out brazenly in broad daylight.”
One victim, Rabiu Muhammad, got kidnapped while attempting to pay a ransom for his cousin, Ibrahim Umar. Similarly, Blessing Ayuba fell into the kidnappers’ hands while trying to ransom her son, Luka Ayuba.
Samuel Muekara revealed that the families of the seven victims collectively raised over N20 million, alongside other valuables, as ransom. Despite this payment, the kidnappers continued to hold them captive until the military intervened to secure their release.
