Join our WhatsApp channel HERE for the latest Benue news and updates!
In a swift and commendable operation, the Benue State Police Command thwarted a kidnapping attempt in the early hours of Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, rescuing the victim, Geoffrey Akume, without injury and with no ransom paid. The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. in the Tiortu area along the Gboko-Makurdi Road, a busy corridor in the state.
According to police reports, Akume was traveling from Gboko to Makurdi when he was accosted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers. The suspects forcefully abducted him and began moving him toward a nearby forest. Fortunately, a distress alert was received promptly, prompting operatives to mobilize intensive patrols and a coordinated search of the area.
Upon sighting the approaching police team and hearing the sirens, the kidnappers abandoned their victim and fled into the forest. The police successfully located and rescued Akume, who emerged unharmed from the ordeal. He was later taken to Abinse Police Station, where he was debriefed by the Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, before being reunited with his family.
Commissioner Emenari praised the officers for their swift response, courage, and professionalism, reaffirming the command’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property, particularly during the festive season. He noted that patrols, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-led policing have been intensified across strategic locations in the state. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly.
Police efforts continue to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects. This successful intervention highlights the importance of community alertness and rapid law enforcement action in combating insecurity, offering a positive note amid ongoing concerns about kidnapping in parts of Nigeria. As the festive period continues, such proactive measures provide reassurance to travelers and residents alike in Benue State.
