By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Benue State Police Command have confirmed the rescue of two kidnapped victims, arrest of one of the kidnapers, death of three kidnap gang at Utange Council Ward in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, after the police team launched attack on them.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Sewuese Anene, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Benue State
Command, CP Hassan Steve Yabanet, says the operation is geared towards returning farmers back to their farm lands and curbing banditry in the area.
” On 29/5/2024 at about 0600hrs Officers of the Operation Zenda JTF, stormed a kidnap hideout at Utange Council Ward in Katsina-Ala Local Government. On sighting the Police, kidnapers led by the gang leader, Tersue Dada aka “Causer” engaged the team in a gun duel but were overpowered by the superior fire power of the police.
“Consequently, three suspects sustained gunshot injuries and were eventually confirmed dead at the hospital, while one of the suspects, Terver Tavershima of Tinenune, Ukum Local Government was arrested. Two victims were rescued unhurt, victims said that they were kidnapped from their homes at Ukum LGA about a week ago, and the sum of twenty three million naira was placed on them as ransom to be paid by their families.”
According to the PPRO, items recovered from the scene of the incident include; (1) AK-47 rifle, one Dane gun, assorted phones, camouflage uniform and a motorcycle.
The Commissioner of Police Benue State Command, CP Yabanet Implored people of Sankera to cooperate with police teams sent to the area as they continue to take the fight to the criminals in the area.
