Troops rescue 32 kidnapped victims in Benue, kill bandit leader

The defence headquarters says its troops have rescued 32 victims kidnapped by suspected bandits in Logo local government area (LGA) of Benue state. 

John Enenche, coordinator of defence media operations, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said troops of sectors 2 and 4, on Monday, carried out a raid on a suspected kidnappers’ den in Tomayin village.

The raid, Enenche said, followed credible intelligence on the activities of a notorious kidnap syndicate operating in the general area of Igbom village in Nenzev council ward of Logo LGA.

“The determined troops engaged the criminal elements in hot pursuit leading to the killing of one Zwa Ikyegh, identified as the ring leader, and others escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds,” the statement read.

“The successful encounter led to the rescue of 32 kidnapped victims, some of whom have been in captivity for over a month.

“All the rescued kidnapped victims have been reunited with their families in different communities in Logo LGA.

“Troops also recovered one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 magazine, 6 locally made rifles, one locally made pistol and a magazine. Others include 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 2 cartridges, 2 motorcycles and some charms. The hideout has been equally destroyed.”

In another development, the military said troops of sector 2, deployed at Gbise in Katsina Ala LGA and Zaki Biam in Ukum LGA of Benue responded to a distress call on another kidnapping incident at Austoma in Mbanema council ward of Ukum.

The troops, according to the military, mobilised to the scene and arrested two suspects.

“The suspects are Mr Sealemun and Orduem, both of whom are linked to late Terugwa Igbagwa a.k.a. Orjondu,” Enenche added.

“Troops recovered one motorcycle which the kidnappers were using for their heinous crimes. The suspects are currently undergoing investigation after which they will be handed over to the Nigeria Police for further necessary action.”

The military spokesman added that soldiers have continued to dominate the area with patrols and ambushes, and normalcy has since been restored.