Benue State Police Command has rescued eight kidnapped victims, including a Catholic priest, and arrested two suspects following a coordinated rescue operation in Ohimini Local Government Area.
Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish in Ajegbe-Awume, was among the eight abducted on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road while returning from a village market near Ipiga Village. The victims were abducted by armed men around 8:15 p.m.
Security operatives, working alongside personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, immediately launched a rescue mission after receiving information about the incident. The operation was carried out in stages. Two victims were rescued on October 16, 2026, while the remaining six regained their freedom on October 18, 2026, bringing the total rescued to eight.
The rescue resulted in the arrest of two suspects identified as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel. The men are currently assisting with investigations while police intensify efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal gang who are still at large.
Following their rescue, the eight victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, for medical examinations and necessary treatment.
Benue State Police Commissioner, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, commended the operatives for their prompt response, professionalism and commitment to protecting lives and property. He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Police Mobile Force for their continued support in the fight against violent crime in the state.
The Command reiterated its determination to sustain intelligence-led operations and urged the public to provide timely and credible information that could aid ongoing investigations. Residents were also advised to promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station.
All eight victims have now been rescued, and the investigation remains ongoing as police pursue the remaining suspects linked to the incident.
