Police foil Christmas day kidnap, rescue victim in Benue

The Benue State Police Command says its officers prevented a kidnap attempt on Christmas Day and safely rescued a man identified as Geoffrey Akume.

Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet, who released the statement in Makurdi on Thursday, said the incident happened at Tiortu along the Gboko–Makurdi road.

According to Edet, Akume was travelling from Gboko to Makurdi when armed men suspected to be kidnappers stopped his vehicle and forced him into a nearby forest.

She explained that police officers launched a rapid, coordinated search after receiving a distress call.

When the kidnappers heard police sirens and saw the patrol team approaching, they abandoned the victim and fled.

The police rescued Akume unharmed, and no ransom was paid.

He was later taken to the Abinse Police Station, where he was debriefed and reunited with his family.

Edet added that the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, praised the officers for their quick response and professionalism.

He also reassured residents that the Command is strengthening patrols, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-based policing during the festive season.

The police urged members of the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity as efforts continue to track down the suspects.